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Football: Japan defender Takai, 20, set for Tottenham move

Football: Japan defender Takai, 20, set for Tottenham move

The Mainichi2 days ago
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan defender Kota Takai is set to transfer from J-League football club Kawasaki Frontale to Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, a source with knowledge of the matter said Monday.
Kawasaki announced Takai will depart the team after their match Saturday against Kashima Antlers to "prepare for his transfer to an overseas club" without naming it.
The BBC and other media outlets last week reported that Spurs had reached a deal for the 20-year-old center-back, who was named the J-League's best young player in 2024.
The 192-centimeter Takai came through Kawasaki's renowned youth development program and played for Japan at the Paris Olympics last summer. He has four senior international caps since debuting for the Samurai Blue last September.
Known for his skill with the ball in addition to his defensive ability, Takai will join a Tottenham side starting life under new manager Thomas Frank.
Former Yokohama F Marinos boss Ange Postecoglou steered Spurs to last season's Europa League title, the club's first major trophy in 17 years, but was dismissed after they finished 17th in the Premier League.
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