Tottenham fans joke as Spurs pay just £5m to sign ‘Japanese Maldini’
Tottenham fans were quick to react following reports of the club’s second summer signing under Thomas Frank, as Japanese centre-back Kota Takai joins the ranks in North London.
It was revealed yesterday that Tottenham are set to complete their second summer signing under Thomas Frank, after reaching an agreement with J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale to sign Kota Takai.
It is a £5m deal which is expected to make the 20-year-old centre-back the most expensive Japanese player to transfer directly from the J1 League.
Takai is expected to be part of Tottenham’s first-team squad, having signed a new five-year contract that includes an option for a further year, along with a 10% sell-on clause.
Tottenham fans react to Kota Takai signing from Kawasaki Frontale
Following the transfer update, the Lilywhite faithful have wasted no time in sharing their thoughts, with many feeling optimistic about the arrival of the 20-year-old centre-back.
One fan remarked, “Hopefully another Son,” while another seemed pleased with how the club’s defensive options are shaping up: “CB depth now Romero, VdV, Danso, Radu (upon return), Davies, Phillips, Vuskovic, Takai. Assuming one of Phillips or Vuskovic goes on loan and MAYBE Davies sold to Wrexham, that is not all that bad in terms of a mix of elite in prime, solid backups, up-and-coming youth..?”
Another supporter was left buzzing with excitement: “WHAT A PLAYER. Let’s gooooo.” One fan welcomed the long-term potential of the move: “Cannot give out about this when we have given out about us not signing the likes of Kvaratskhelia years ago.”
Others were more measured in their response. One labelled him the “Japanese Maldini apparently,” while another questioned if Takai has the required level for Tottenham to compete: “We wanna win the Prem by signing inexperienced players. Hope he is good though.”
Another fan raised concerns over positional fit: “Right footed, RCB… do we not have enough of those…..”
What Kota Takai’s arrival means for Spurs defence
With Takai now on board, Tottenham finally have a healthy level of centre-back cover – at least on paper – heading into the new season.
The young defender becomes the latest name added to a pool that already features Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.
It reflects a clear shift from the injury-hit crisis that exposed the club’s defensive frailties last season.
What remains to be seen is whether Takai will be viewed as a long-term project or whether his signing could signal a replacement for Romero, whose future in North London remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation.
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