Tottenham are closing in on the signing of highly-rated Japanese defender Kota Takai, and a football expert from Japan has now offered insight into what Spurs fans can expect from the 20-year-old centre-back.
While reports have stated that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on bringing in experience and a marquee signing this summer, the actions of the club so far this window suggest otherwise.
Since the opening of the summer transfer window, Tottenham have completed two deals. First, the obligation to buy Kevin Danso was triggered, and then Spurs negotiated a £29.5 million deal for Mathys Tel following his loan move back in January.
New reports now state that another addition is close, with Tottenham said to have reached a £5 million agreement with J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale for 20-year-old centre-back Kota Takai.
The youngster is believed to have signed a long-term deal that would keep him in north London for five seasons, with an option to extend for a further year also included, as well as a 10% sell-on clause.
Tottenham close in on Kota Takai as Japan expert offers insight
Spurs fans have already weighed in on the incoming signing, with some feeling he could be one for the future, while others question whether he is the level of centre-back required if Tottenham are to challenge for the Premier League title, as chairman Daniel Levy has previously stated.
Regardless, TBR Football spoke to Japanese football expert Sam Robson to get a better understanding of Takai’s strengths, weaknesses, and how he may slot into the system at Tottenham.
According to Robson, Tottenham fans can expect a centre-back who is composed in possession and positions himself well without the ball. However, he did warn that Takai can sometimes be overly eager when tackling, with a tendency to dive in.
Despite this flaw, Robson believes the Spurs-bound defender is ahead of Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu at the same age in certain aspects.
He explained: “I have already seen a bit of Takai. He is capped by Japan already which, for a 20-year-old defender, is pretty much unheard of in Japan.
“He is a bit over-eager in the tackle, dives in a little too much, but his positioning is very good and he is one of, if not the best, defender in possession in the league.
“There is talk of a record fee for a J.Leaguer. I do not think he would be a likely starter for Spurs this year, and would probably need a year out on loan.
“He is better at this age than Tomiyasu was in some respects. Tomiyasu was probably a better fit to the Premier League physically, although ironically, the Arsenal man cannot stay fit.”
Spurs must now manage Kota Takai’s next steps carefully
Despite the expectation that the 20-year-old Japan international will be part of the Tottenham first-team squad, it remains unclear whether he will stay in north London for the duration of the season.
Sending him on loan to a Premier League or Championship club remains a viable option, as does returning to the J1 League to continue his development.
However, it would benefit Tottenham more if the young defender were immediately exposed to the demands of English football.
If he is to eventually thrive at Hotspur Way, he must first adapt to the pace and physicality of the game in England.