Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed a deal for Kota Takai, a Japanese wonderkid, in a record-breaking transfer. This comes as Daniel Levy and the board attempt to rebuild the squad after what was a poor season, despite them ending a trophy drought at the end of it. It is surely likely that new coach Thomas Frank will have had some influence over this move.
Tottenham Hotspur Agree Deal for Kota Takai in Record-Breaking Transfer
Straight Into the First-Team Squad
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £5 million deal for Takai, from Kawasaki Frontale. Whilst the fee doesn’t sound like Spurs are breaking the bank, it is a steep price for a player out of the J League: this is a record fee for a native player out of the Japanese top flight.
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Alasdair Gold has disclosed that Johan Lange, Technical Director, has identified the 20-year-old as having the experience to “follow in the footsteps of the likes of [Lucas] Bergvall, [Pape Matar] Sarr, [Destiny] Udogie”. He believes that Takai has the potential to make a Premier League impact after a “settling in period”; the player is expected to be part of the first-team squad.
Tottenham Hotspur Invest in Thomas Frank Project
Tottenham’s business and proceedings this summer have suggested that they are investing in Frank’s project, both in terms of finances and boldness. They have already spent around £30 million to bring in Mathys Tel on a permanent, after an unremarkable loan spell.
They have also been linked with two of the hottest attackers on the market in Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo. This displays ambition, arguably something the Lilywhites have lacked in recent years both on the pitch and in the market.
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However, the signing of such a niche player arguably highlights the new direction that Spurs are heading in. Frank has always succeeded with maximising talent out of players who aren’t the most high profile, and tailoring them perfectly to his system. Whilst Takai may not slot straight into the side, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven occupying the centre-back positions currently, he could certainly be one for the future under progressive coach Frank, especially with Romero potentially leaving in the next year or two.