Takai Yuki joins Tottenham, with transfer fee of £5 million

Tottenham Hotspurs has confirmed that Japanese defender Kota Takai Yukio arrived in London from Kawasaki striker, and the deal was reportedly worth £5 million. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the UEFA Champions League team until the summer of 2030, and is expected to be immediately integrated into Thomas Frank's first team instead of being loaned elsewhere.

Kodai Takai is the third player to sign the Spurs' first-tier team this summer, although he is the first real new face as Tottenham's top two players are Kevin Densor and Matthews Terr, who made permanent deals after their loan.

Takai Yukio traveled to North London, played 81 times in all games with Kawasaki forward, scoring 4 goals, and established a new offensive system for the Japanese Giants at the time.

The 2004-born defender played a key role in Kawasaki's AFC Champions League finals earlier this year, helping his side beat Cristiano Ronaldo's Riyadh Victory Football Club (Al Nassr FC) 3-2 in the semi-finals.

The 6-foot-3 defender has also won multiple victories for the Japanese national team and is expected to compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup roster.

When will Takai Yukita make his debut for Tottenham?

Yuchi Takai's £5 million transfer has not been completed 100% as Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed that his arrival will still depend on whether the player can obtain an international license and a work permit.

However, it seems few people are worried that Takai Yukita will be granted the necessary documents, and he will almost certainly be dominated by Frank at the start of the Premier League.

Before the season begins, Tottenham will compete in at least five friendly matches, first facing League One team Reading at Madejski Stadium on July 19, where Kokuhi Takai may make his informal debut.

The Lilywhites then meet Luton Town seven days later before starting the Asian preseason, where they will play against Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle United in South Korea on August 3.

The last friendly match is scheduled to be played against Harry Kane in Germany on August 7, and then in the UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, with Takai Yukihi potentially making his first appearance for the Spurs.

The 20-year-old should be part of Frank's opening weekend in the Premier League season, with Tottenham hosting Burnley on August 16.