“Tottenham confirm departure of £5m summer signing without a single appearance”

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kota Takai has joined Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old, who arrived at Spurs from Kawasaki Frontale last summer for £5 million, has struggled with injuries and is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

Takai was named in a matchday squad for the first time last weekend, remaining on the bench in Tottenham’s 1–0 win over Crystal Palace, before being omitted from the squad for the 0–0 draw at Brentford as his loan move was finalized.

Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder welcomed the signing, praising Takai as a tall, powerful centre-back with remarkable pace and expressing confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. The Japanese international will take the No.14 shirt at the German side. Takai made 81 appearances for Kawasaki Frontale, earned his first senior call-up for Japan in 2024, and has collected four international caps to date.

Standing at 6ft 4in, he remains under contract with Tottenham until 2030.

Takai is the second Spurs defender to head to the Bundesliga on loan this season, following teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic’s temporary move to Hamburg. The 18-year-old has already featured 15 times and recently earned praise for helping an injured opponent during a match.

Tottenham are expected to remain busy in the January transfer window after a challenging start under head coach Thomas Frank. Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson is reportedly close to a £35 million move to Crystal Palace, while Radu Dragusin has attracted interest from Serie A clubs. Spurs are also exploring left-back options, with young Santos talent Souza among their targets.