Tottenham Hotspur defender Kota Takai has completed a loan move to Borussia Monchengladbach for the rest of the season.
The 21-year-old joined Spurs from Kawasaki Frontale last summer in a £5 million transfer but has struggled with injuries and is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the club. Takai was included in a matchday squad for the first time last weekend, remaining on the bench during Tottenham’s 1–0 win over Crystal Palace, before being left out of the squad for the 0–0 draw at Brentford as a loan deal neared completion.
Confirming the move, Borussia Monchengladbach’s sporting director Rouven Schroder praised the defender, describing Takai as a tall, powerful centre-back with impressive speed, and expressed confidence that he can make an immediate impact. The Japanese international will wear the No.14 shirt at the German club.
Takai made 81 appearances for Kawasaki Frontale, earning a senior Japan call-up in 2024 and collecting four international caps so far. Standing at 6ft 4in, he remains contracted to Tottenham until the summer of 2030.
He becomes the second Spurs defender to head to the Bundesliga on loan this season, following teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic’s temporary switch to Hamburg. The 18-year-old has already made 15 appearances and recently earned praise for his quick thinking after helping an injured opponent during a match.
Tottenham are expected to be active in the January transfer window following a difficult start under head coach Thomas Frank. Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson is closing in on a £35 million move to Crystal Palace, while Radu Dragusin has drawn interest from Serie A clubs. Spurs are also exploring options at left-back, with Santos youngster Souza among their targets.
