Thomas Frank set to consider ‘realistic’ exit for Tottenham summer signing already
Tottenham are set to make several big decisions over the winter transfer window.
The Lilywhites had one of the best summer windows in recent history, with the Joe Lewis family focusing on Spurs’ sporting success.
Tottenham signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig during the final days of the window.
The North London club also saw several exits, including Son Heung-min, who left Tottenham for LAFC after almost a decade at the club. However, Spurs could soon be looking to wave farewell to another player.
Kota Takai could be loaned in January
Tottenham signed Kota Takai from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale for just £5million over the summer.
However, Spurs fans are yet to see the young defender take to the pitch after sustaining an injury during pre-season. Luckily for fans, Takai has returned to Tottenham training.
But given the defensive depth of Spurs’ squad, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes a January loan could be best for all involved.
“He’s had this injury and we’re already in October, I genuinely think I’m more realistic plan for him is that he builds up his fitness from now till January and then goes on loan,” Wenham said.
“He goes on loan and then we just see what we’re working with again, next pre-season, next summer. So you’ve got to remember the whole time Radu Dragusin is coming back as well, and he’ll rightly be in front of Takai for game time.”
With limited experience in England, the defender needs game time to adapt to the pace of Premier League football.
But if Spurs do opt to own the young star out, it will need to be to a club willing to grant him game time, which is an issue the Lilywhites have faced early in the season.
- Read more: Tottenham ‘really frustrated’ with what Stoke City have done to young loan duo – Exclusive
Tottenham could use Kota Takai this season
Logic dictates that a player who has yet to play in an English league will need time to adapt to its demands.
That seems like the likely outcome with Takai, but football is not linear, and Tottenham could play over 50 games this season.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are Spurs’ best centre-back pairing when fit, emphasis on when.
- Van de Ven missed 32 games through injury last season
- Romero missed 27 games through injury last season
- They missed a combined 59 games for Tottenham
Both have been lucky with injuries so far, but the season is still in its early stages, and the intensity of games will only increase here on out.
With plenty of games left to be played and fans yet to see Takai in action, it seems unfair to condemn him to a loan move so soon.
Now that he has returned to training, Frank and Spurs supporters will likely be able to see him in action before making a definitive judgement.
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