Tottenham have brought in Japanese international Kota Takai fromKawasaki Frontale and he has given an idea of what to anticipate from him.
The £5m deal is the most important sale within the history of the J-League, with the 20-year-old signing a five-year contract with Spurs.
Despite his age, Takai has already racked up a good amount of experience, making 81 appearances for the Kawasaki Frontale first team, having made his debut at just 17 years old.
His performances have also been recognised by his national team, already making 4 appearances for Japan.
The 6’4″ defender won’t have been seen by that many Spurs fans before his arrival in north London, but he has given them a flavour of what to anticipate.
‘My position is centre-back, I can play either side, left or right,’ the Japanese prospect said after he was unveiled at Tottenham on Tuesday.
‘Lively defending is my strength. At Spurs, my first goal is to be on the pitch for a match and to do my best. I stay up for meeting the fans on the stadium.’
He added: ‘The J League has very high intensity, and its level is high. I won the Young Player Award last 12 months and I used to be very pleased.
‘I joined Team Japan – it was all the time my dream. I remember I had goosebumps once I went on the pitch for the primary time as a part of the national team.’
The teen must be able to go because the J-League is mid-season, and he played in a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers as recently as Saturday.
‘I played on the match with Kawasaki Frontale within the J-League on Saturday, got on the plane the subsequent day, and I’m here today!’ Takai said.
‘I’ve had medical checks, and a variety of filming! Having arrived in London, I’m stuffed with excitement.’
It seems unlikely that Takai will go straight into the starting XI at Spurs, with loads of competition at centre-back in Thomas Frank’s squad.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain the primary selection pairing in the midst of defence, while Radu Dragusin was brought in last 12 months and Kevin Danso in January.
Nonetheless, there may be a rejig within the defensive pecking order as Romero stays a key goal for Atletico Madrid during this transfer window.
Spanish publication AS reported on Monday that the La Liga side have already made a major bid for the Argentina international, value €55 million (£47m) plus €15m (£12m) in add-ons.
Tottenham have set an asking price of €70m (£60m) for Romero and are sticking to it, so Atletico could have to enhance their bid to get the 27-year-old.
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