Kota Takai, a 21-year-old Japanese defender, is joining Sint-Truiden VV from Tottenham Hotspur. The defender, who was signed by the English club from Kawasaki Frontale last season, will wear the number 4 shirt. According to STVV CEO Takayuki Tateishi, there was significant interest in Takai, who decided in consultation with his parent club Tottenham to move to Haspengouw to further develop his career.
Tateishi described Takai as a very talented central defender with excellent game intelligence, ability with both feet, and aerial strength, which he considers an ideal profile for their defense. Takai feels that STVV's style of play is highly suitable for him. The centre-back has 4 caps for Japan and his contract with Tottenham is valid until 2030. He joined the English club in July 2025 for a fee reported to be between €5.8 million and €6 million, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €5.00m.
