Tottenham Hotspur News Roundup: Spurs Secure Kota Takai, Pursue Attacking Reinforcements as Frank Era Begins

Tottenham Hotspur, under the leadership of new head coach Thomas Frank, are accelerating their summer rebuild ahead of the 2025/26 campaign with significant transfer activity and structural changes at the club.

Kota Takai Joins Spurs’ Defensive Ranks

Tottenham have finalized a £5 million deal for Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale. The 20-year-old, who recently debuted for Japan in a World Cup qualifier, is expected to join the first-team squad next month. Takai will compete for a starting role alongside established defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, and Radu Dragusin, further strengthening Spurs’ defensive options.

Attacking Overhaul: Wissa, Mbeumo, and Jonathan David Targeted

With Richarlison’s departure sanctioned, Tottenham are actively seeking attacking reinforcements. The club is in pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a direct replacement, while also holding discussions to sign Lille striker Jonathan David, whose contract expires this summer. Additionally, River Plate’s Ian Subiabre and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are reportedly on the club’s radar, with Tottenham facing stiff competition from Manchester United and other top clubs for a Premier League attacker.

Confirmed Transfers and Squad Updates

This summer, Spurs have already made several deals permanent, including Kevin Danso from Lens (£21 million), Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich (£29.8 million), and Luka Vuskovic from Hajduk Split (£12 million). Vuskovic, who impressed on loan in Belgium last season and recently debuted for Croatia, is set to join the squad officially after turning 18.

Pre-Season Preparations and Champions League Return

On the pitch, Tottenham are preparing for a pre-season friendly against Luton Town on July 26 as they gear up for both Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Their Europa League triumph last season, the club’s first silverware since 2008, is being celebrated in a new SPURSPLAY documentary. However, the sacking of former manager Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after that victory remains a subject of debate among supporters and pundits.

UEFA Quota Challenge and Academy Focus

Tottenham face challenges in meeting UEFA’s club-trained player quota for the Champions League, prompting a renewed focus on academy prospects. Jamie Donley, who excelled on loan at Leyton Orient with eight goals and ten assists, is among those being considered for first-team integration.

Structural Changes and Leadership Decisions

Off the field, chairman Daniel Levy’s recent decisions—including placing a club chief on gardening leave—signal ongoing structural changes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Meanwhile, former football director Fabio Paratici remains involved in a consultancy role until August, despite his worldwide ban expiring in July, and is expected to influence key transfer decisions this summer.

As the Thomas Frank era begins, Tottenham Hotspur are positioning themselves for a competitive season both domestically and in Europe, with further transfer activity expected in the coming weeks.