According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Tottenham are set to sign Japanese defender Kota Takai, as they have seemingly beaten off competition from Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Spurs are embarking on a solid youth project to keep building their squad for the future, with the defender seen as a quality addition to come in and develop his game.
Tottenham have been quiet so far in the transfer window, with Mathys Tel’s permanent arrival the only piece of news regardsing transfers. Recently out of nowhere, there were stories stating Spurs agreeing a £5 million deal with J-League side Kawasaki Frontale for their promising defender Kota Takai.
So who is Takai? The defender, a 20-year-old Japanese international, has played an instrumental part in Kawasaki Frontale’s rise in recent times. He helped the team reach the AFC Champions League Final last season, only to lose out to Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
Kawasaki Frontale also defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the competition’s semifinal, with the defender playing a crucial part in that game. Either way, the 20-year-old Asian defensive prospect feels the time is right to make a big career jump, and Tottenham are set to sign him in a £5 million deal.
In the process of signing the 20-year-old defensive prospect, Spurs have beaten some high-profile sides like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Each of those European giants are in the process of signing some of the highly talented young stars, but it appears Totenham’s project is far more attractive.
Takai is not the only young defender they want, as Spurs are chasing Parma’s Giovanni Leoni as another defensive target. They are also keen to bring players in other positions with Boca Juniors forward Miguel Merentiel also on their list.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are also keeping their doors open for current players coming through their academy including handing a chance to Jamie Donley, who was on loan at League One club Leyton Orient. Others like Mikey Moore, and Will Lankshear, as well as recent recruits Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, are all part of their plans going forward under new manager Thomas Frank.
