Takai to remain at Tottenham with defender ‘out for months’ – Exclusive
Kōta Takai could have a bigger role at Tottenham next season than first anticipated.
It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise when Tottenham announced they had signed Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.
The 20-year-old is a modern centre-back who is comfortable on the ball but has a strong physical presence. His positioning is good, while he thrives at playing out from the back and breaking up plays.
There is no doubt that he could be a useful asset for Thomas Frank, who will have a decision to make on the Japan international.
Takai could remain at Tottenham until January
Radu Drǎgușin became the second signing of the 2023/24 winter transfer window after Timo Werner joined from RB Leipzig on loan.
The former Genoa defender was touted as a promising prospect, but struggled in his first season as a Tottenham player before suffering an ACL injury midway through the second.
As a result, Frank will be with one less defender heading into his debut campaign with Spurs, and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes this could pave the way for Takai to remain in North London.
“They’ll look at him (Takai) over pre-season and then decide whether he’s best served,” Wenham said.
“If he isn’t to get enough game time, then a loan could be arranged. However, it might be that he hangs around with the squad until January because Drǎgușin is still injured now, and will be out for a couple more months. I’m sure Frank will look at Takai over pre-season, but there’s a lot of competition.
“Ashley Phillips, Alfie Dorrington, who had a hugely successful loan at Aberdeen. Luka Vušković has joined the club as well. It’s absolutely stacked in that centre-back role and over preseason, decisions will be made as to who’s going to go out on loan”
Takai could still be loaned out
Cristian Romero is now expected to remain at Tottenham next season. This could mean that Takai sees less gametime despite Drǎgușin’s injury.
Indeed, the young centre-back may have had a better time competing with whoever replaced Romero. This is because this defender also would have been unproven at Spurs.
However, with the Argentine set to stay, Takai may struggle to slot into the first team straight away. As a result, a loan could be on the cards as soon as this summer.
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