Another day passes without a transfer for Tottenham Hotspur... but we have one that seems to be getting closer!
No, commentariat, I’m not moving; but Kawasaki Frontale are, confirming via their social media channels that Spurs-linked Kota Takai will be leaving the club:
Now, I don’t speak Japanese - but the internet is here to help us with that sort of thing. Here’s roughly what the announcement says:
Kota Takai is preparing for transfer to an overseas club
As part of those preparations, he will leave Kawasaki Frontale on July 5th to travel overseas
From then on, he will not be available for selection
Further details will follow once everything is formally decided
Basically, the Japanese club is holding a Fan Appreciation event on July 6th, for which it seems the playing squad would be present. As Takai is not going to be around for said event, it seems Frontale have felt the need to communicate to fans ahead of time that one of their star players will not be present (a refreshing level of transparency in professional football).
You’ll also note though the slight hedging of bets there - it seems things are very close, but not fully done. I imagine the final details consist of something along the lines of a medical or potentially some payment structure fine-print, so as far as all parties are concerned this is happening; just not official.
This is a great signing for Spurs to make. Clearly talented, young, with lots of upside, Takai follows in the steps of Johan Lange signings such as Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Lucas Bergvall. It remains to be seen as to whether he’ll slot straight into the squad or head out on loan, but either way it’s a smart buy.
It looks like we won’t have to wait too much longer to see Takai holding up a Spurs kit.