LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur signed Japense international Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old centre-back has signed a fiveyear deal with the Europa League winners and will cost a reported fee of 5 million ($7 million), accordingto Sky Sports.

Takai, who has been capped by his country four times, was named Japan`s young player of the year in 2024 having broken into Kawasaki`s first team two years previously.

He made a total of 81 senior appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring four goals, and helped them reach the 2025 Asian Champions League final.

Takai faces stiff competition for a place in Thomas Frank`s side up against Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin.

However, reports have linked Argentine international Romero with a move to Atletico Madrid.

Takai is Spurs` second signing of the transfer window after Mathys Tel`s six-month loan from Bayern Munich was made permanent.-AFP