Thomas Frank could be just hours away from securing a long-awaited transfer at Tottenham.
Frank has had to be very patient this summer, as he has quickly become accustomed to Daniel Levy’s inefficient approach to the transfer market.
Levy is up to his old tricks of not fully committing to top targets as he looks for the perfect deal before they inevitably become unavailable.
However, after Frank confirmed new additions to his coaching staff, the 51-year-old could be about to secure a fresh addition to his squad.
Kōta Takai posts picture of himself at airport ahead of Spurs move
After flirting with a multitude of Premier League forward options, it looked like Mohammed Kudus could become Spurs’ statement signing this summer.
MORE SPURS STORIES
However, that deal still has a long way to go after West Ham rejected Tottenham’s initial bid worth £50million for the Ghanaian.
Negotiations are expected to continue, although there is a risk that the complex relationship between the two rival clubs could result in the deal being called off at any point.
However, for now, it looks as though Frank can at least welcome Kōta Takai to Tottenham after the Japan international reposted an image via his Instagram of himself at the airport (6 July) ahead of his proposed move to Spurs.
The centre-back bid farewell to Kawasaki Frontale in style, helping his side beat Kashima Antlers 2-1 on Saturday (5 July) following his club’s announcement of his departure to “an overseas club”.
With the £5m deal reportedly agreed over a week ago, Takai is expected to arrive in N17 simply to complete formalities, meaning Tottenham could announce his signing within hours.
Takai’s immediate future unclear at Spurs
Takai will arrive in North London with plenty of promise as a well-rounded centre-back who has proven himself to be very competent in the J1 League and the AFC Champions League Elite.
However, the step-up to the Premier League will be huge, and he will join a growing number of young Tottenham defenders, all returning from last season’s loan spells, vying to break into Frank’s squad.
Whether Frank opts to keep the 20-year-old among the first team or send Takai on loan this summer will likely be assessed after the pre-season tour, which commences in just 12 days as Spurs are set to face Reading.