Daniel Levy is once again at the end of Tottenham fans’ furore during the transfer window.
Levy boldly stated during a sit-down interview with Vinai Venkatesham that every decision he makes at Tottenham is focused on improving the first team.
However, the 63-year-old is yet to sign a fresh face for Thomas Frank, with permanent deals for last season’s loanees Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso the only confirmed signings in N17 so far this summer.
Top targets like Bryan Mbeumo could slip away from Tottenham’s grasp, while a recent transfer agreement has not been received well by the Spurs faithful.
Tottenham agree deal for Kōta Takai from Kawasaki Frontale
Virtually every manager to have graced the Tottenham dugout in the last 24 years has criticised Levy for not pulling the trigger on top-tier players and targeting value deals instead.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Last summer was a perfect example, where the only experienced player brought in was Dominic Solanke, while deals for the likes of Connor Gallagher and Jacob Ramsey fell through.
The Spurs chairman has historically targeted younger players with potential sell-on value, and looks to repeat the trick as it is now being widely reported that Tottenham have agreed a deal for Kōta Takai.
The Kawasaki Frontale centre-back will cost Spurs £5million, a record transfer fee for a player from the J-League, and is expected to be part of the first-team squad.
However, Spurs fans did not respond well to the news, taking to X to fire shots at Levy for the budget signing, with one fan calling the transfer “pathetic”.
Takai could prove to be an astute signing
Despite the initial fans’ grievance with the nature of the signing, Takai is highly rated in his home country and could prove to be an astute signing.
Despite still being just 20 years old, the Japan international already has four caps to his name and has amassed 78 senior appearances for his side.
He also has continental experience and was instrumental in taking Kawasaki Frontale to the AFC Champions League Elite final last season, where they lost 2-0 to Al-Ahli.
At just £5m, his acquisition is low risk and sees him join a young contingent of promising centre-backs, including Luka Vušković, who could play an important part in Tottenham’s future.