Tottenham sign Japan defender Takai from Kawasaki Frontale

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Paris 2024 Olympics - Football - Mens Group D - Japan vs Mali - Bordeaux Stadium, Bordeaux, France - July 27, 2024. Kota Takai of Japan in action with Boubacar Traore of Mali. REUTERS/Susana Vera

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Japan defender Kota Takai on a five-year contract from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Financial details were not disclosed but British media reports said Europa League champions Tottenham paid a fee of five million pounds ($6.82 million) for the 20-year-old.

Takai, a product of Frontales youth academy, was part of the side that missed out on the Asian Champions League Elite title after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabias Al-Ahli in the final in May.

He has also made four appearances for Japans national team.

Takai is the third centre back to join the north London club this summer, further bolstering their defence after the arrivals of Luka Vuskovic from Hajduk Split and Kevin Danso, whose loan move from RC Lens was made permanent.

Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought with their Europa League victory last season, but also endured their worst domestic campaign for nearly half a century and finished 17th in the Premier League. REUTERS