Tottenham already solved defensive depth problem in the most unexpected way

It's been a quiet start to the summer transfer window for Spurs, who have so far converted loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel into permanent arrivals.

However, we were treated to an unexpected mini-bomba on Monday night, as news broke regarding the impending arrival of Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

Takai is a player who first entered my conciousness about two hours ago, and I'm not going to pretend that I know anything about the 20-year-old. What I do know, however, is that Spurs have taken a big step towards completing their centre-back room for 2024/25.

Tottenham agree deal to sign highly-rated centre-back Kota Takai

In Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven, Spurs are blessed with one of Europe's best defensive partnerships, and there's no need to make a major splurge at the position this summer if the Argentine commits his future to the club despite Ange Postecoglou's departure.

Kevin Danso proved himself to be an able deputy during the second half of last season, while Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are also on the books. Luka Vuskovic is arriving after a string of successful loans, and Ashley Phillips has supposedly caught the eye of Thomas Frank. Takai joins this group of young centre-backs who might not be ready just yet, but there's reason to be excited about the new arrival.

Spurs are sending Kawasaki Frontale £5m for Takai's services—a record fee for a player in the J League moving overseas.

Given my previous ignorance, research on Takai was very much necessary after The Athletic confirmed the news of our agreement with the Japanese club. My major takeaway: Takai may well be the best centre-back none of you have ever heard of.

In all seriousness, Spurs are signing a really intriguing talent who already has four caps for Japan. He's right-footed but is comfortable performing on the left side of defence, suggesting that he could develop into a Van de Ven understudy.

The kid plays with elegance and poise, with his reading of the game allowing him to defend the channels with impressive assurance. The ease with which he performs from an array of angles in possession was encouraging, too. The montages are promising, but that's exactly what they're meant to be.

Takai is said to have attracted interest from clubs in Germany and Italy but wanted to join the European champions, while Alasdair Gold (via The Spurs Express on X) adds that technical director Johan Lange believes the 20-year-old can be the next U21 starlet signed by the club to step up and perform in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall.

Low risk, high reward. The big-money moves you all crave will come. Don't panic.