Tottenham new boy, Kota Takai, has been tipped to miss out on Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad amid a busy summer transfer window.
Frank must utilise the transfer market to build a squad who are capable at the top level of European football after Spurs won the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou last term.
With a recruitment drive in mind, Tottenham signed Takai from Japanese side Kawasaki, before also acquiring winger Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham.
Takai has made four senior appearances for Japan, but adjusting to the Premier League and the Champions League could prove tough.
Takai could miss out on Champions League squad as Frank decides on Tottenham exits
Tottenham finished just 17th in the Premier League last season, epitomising the amount of quality that Frank has to add to his new club.
But the former Brentford boss is also tasked with deciding which members of his current squad he will allow to depart ahead of next term.
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Meanwhile, Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was asked on football.london’s live Spurs blog on Sunday, 13 July: “Are there any players you think won’t leave this summer but will miss out on the Champions League squad?”
Gold replied: “That’s down to Thomas Frank, but perhaps one or two of the new young defenders in Kota Takai or Luka Vuskovic, depending on whether the latter isn’t sent out on loan with various clubs awaiting a decision on that.
“I think we’ll see a lot of loans this season when it comes to Spurs players.”
Takai shouldn’t be alarmed by potential Champions League snub
Football Insider verdict
After leaving Kawasaki to join Tottenham, Takai will relish the opportunity to play Champions League football and would be disappointed to miss out on the European competition.
However, the 20-year-old was playing in Japan’s J League as recently as 5 July, featuring in a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers.
Takai now has the task of bridging the sizeable gap between the top flight of Japanese football and the Premier League, which could prove difficult enough without the added responsibility of Champions League duties.
Spurs see potential in the former Kawasaki man, while his ability has been further endorsed by the fact that he is already in the senior international frame.
However, the centre-back should not be disheartened if he misses out on a Champions League place, as his career is still in its relative infancy amid competition from the likes of Micky van de Ven.