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Tottenham confident they’re signing a ‘very bright prospect’ for Thomas Frank, Liverpool and Real Madrid rate him

Jamie Brown

Tue 24 June 2025 7:15, UK

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are close to signing Kawasaki Frontale central defender Kota Takai.

The 20-year-old is seen as one of the most promising defenders to emerge from Asia since Kim Min-jae who’s made such a big impact in Europe.

Takai played a prominent role in helping Kawasaki Frontale reach the AFC Champions League final, in which they were beaten 2-1 by Al-Ahli.

The defender played 90 minutes in the semi-final as they stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr by winning 3-2.

His performances in their run to the AFC Champions League final and across 2025 have earned him big interest from across Europe, but now he is set to join Spurs.

Tottenham fend off Liverpool and Real Madrid interest to sign Kota Takai

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey understands that in the last 18 months, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have all watched Kota Takai.

Premier League clubs Brighton and Bournemouth were also really keen on him this summer and believe that he is a very bright prospect.

Tottenham Hotspur now believe that they are close to completing a deal to bring the Japanese international to North London.

The defender will now join Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips in joining Tottenham’s defensive ranks this summer, under the watchful eye of Thomas Frank.

The Lilywhites were left short in defence last season with Archie Gray often having to fill in at centre-back, so the trio of young defenders, including Takai, have a great chance of getting minutes.

TBR Football has previously reported that Cristian Romero is keen to leave Tottenham, and therefore, Spurs could well be preparing for his exit.

Takai is no doubt a long-term investment from the North London club, but also a player who could do a job for Frank’s team next season, having already made 78 senior appearances.

Kota Takai’s stats rank him very highly in the J-League

As of May 1, Takai ranked first among J1 League central defenders in pass completion to the final third and possessions won-lost.

The Japanese international is an excellent defender, but also a player who is very comfortable in possession and playing out from the back.

He already has four goals to his name from centre-back, which shows his ability in the area and also highlights his aerial ability.

Frank will be delighted to get his hands on another top young talent, although he will be hoping for more senior players to arrive this summer.