Borussia Mönchengladbach have already started thinking about Kota Takai’s long-term situation, even though the defender is only on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.
That is according to German outlet Rheinische Post, who report that Gladbach see potential in the 21-year-old despite his costly mistake in the 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Japan international endured a difficult final 20 minutes, with poor positioning and a loose first touch leading to a goal. Shortly after, he was beaten again in a foot race.
Still, the overall assessment inside the club appears more measured. Takai had previously impressed in his first full 90 minutes against Stuttgart and has shown flashes of quality in the Bundesliga. As a result, Gladbach are not judging him solely on one bad afternoon.
Loan from Tottenham structured without risk
Takai joined from Tottenham in January on a straight loan. Financially, the move carries little risk for Gladbach. There is no immediate obligation to buy, and a permanent deal after the season is currently considered unlikely due to cost.
However, the German side are already exploring creative scenarios that could keep him at the club beyond this campaign. Details of those ideas have not been disclosed. What is clear is that Tottenham remain central to any decision.
For Spurs, the loan serves a clear purpose. Takai struggled for minutes after a long lay-off in England. Regular Bundesliga football offers him rhythm and exposure at a high level. At 21, he remains a development project rather than a finished product.
What’s next for him
Takai is expected to receive significant game time between now and May. That will give Tottenham a broader sample to assess his progress. It will also allow Gladbach to judge whether pursuing a more complex arrangement makes sense.
A permanent transfer this summer looks difficult at present. Nevertheless, early planning suggests Gladbach have not ruled out trying to extend the partnership. Much, of course, will depend on how Takai responds on the pitch in the coming weeks.