Kota Takai has now received his work permit and has been able to begin training with his Tottenham team-mates, football.london understands.
Spurs sealed the £5million deal for the 20-year-old Japan international a week ago from Kawasaki Frontale and have been waiting since for the work permit. Without that, the centre-back has been unable to train and get to work as part of new head coach Thomas Frank's era at the club.
However, football.london understands that Takai received his work permit on Tuesday morning and was finally able to take part in training sessions with his team-mates.
The Yokohama-born defender had agreed a deal with Spurs that will run until 2030. He made his first team debut for Kawasaki in April 2022 in an 8-0 victory over Guangzhou in the AFC Champions League. He went on to earn the J.League’s Best Young Player award while making a total of 81 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals, and he helped his team to the 2025 AFC Champions League final.
On the international stage, Takai has made four senior appearances so far for Japan in World Cup qualifying fixtures and in 2024 helped his country to win the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup. He also represented his country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.
In his first interview with the club, Takai said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead ahead after quickly heading over from Japan, having said goodbye to the Kawasaki fans in an emotional ceremony within a sold-out stadium following their 2-1 win against Kashima Antlers.
"I played in the match with Kawasaki Frontale in the J.League on Saturday and I got on the plane the next day and I'm here today, now," he said. "Having arrived in London I'm full of excitement."
On where he can play at the back, the young defender confirmed that versatility that will serve him well under Frank: "My position is centre-back. I can play either side - right or left.
"I was born in Kanagawa, Japan. I've always played football since my childhood. The reason why I love football is because as a team we can improve our skills together."
He added: "I've always watched the Premier League a lot, since I was little. At Spurs, my first aim is to be on the pitch for a match and do my best."