Tottenham Hotspur announced on Tuesday that Japanese central defender Kodai Takai has officially joined the club. The two sides signed a five-year contract, which will be valid until June 30, 2030.

Kodai Takai was transferred from the traditional J1 powerhouse Kawasaki Frontale. According to Sky Sports in the UK, his transfer fee was 5 million pounds.

After completing the transfer, Kodai Takai said excitedly: "I played for Kawasaki Frontale in the J League last Saturday, boarded the plane the next day, and came here today! I have completed the medical examination and participated in many filming activities. I feel very excited after arriving in London."

“I mainly play as a centre-back, but can also play as a left or right back. Active defence is my strength. My first goal at Tottenham is to play in the finals and give it my all. I am also looking forward to meeting the Tottenham fans on the pitch.”

The 20-year-old Kodai Takai was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and has been trained in the Kawasaki Frontale youth training system since he was a child. On April 18, 2022, he made his first-team debut for Kawasaki Frontale in the 8-0 victory over Guangzhou FC in the AFC Champions League. He was 17 years old at the time.

To date, Kodai Takai has played 81 times for Kawasaki Frontale, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist, winning the Emperor's Cup and the Japanese Super Cup. He has also played 4 times for the Japanese national team, but has not scored a goal or provided an assist.