Midweek Brews & Spurs News: Your Wednesday Dose of Tottenham Hotspur – June 25th
☕ Squad Moves & Transfers
Kota Takai completes record J1 League move
Tottenham have agreed a £5 million deal to sign 20‑year‑old Japanese centre‑back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale, making him the most expensive player ever to leave the J‑League . Takai brings size (6′4″), pace, and tactical acumen seen in his shutdown of Cristiano Ronaldo in playoffs. He’ll join during pre-season, bolstering a back line that lost Radu Drăgușin to ACL recovery and depends on Tipp van de Ven, Romero, Danso, Vuskovic, and Ben Davies.
- Loan move for Damola Ajayi
Promising 19‑year‑old winger/forward Damola Ajayi looks set for a loan to League One’s Doncaster Rovers. Having featured in Spurs’ U23s and Europa League squads, this shift promises vital first‑team experience .
- Ben Davies extends through 2026
Camp‑veteran Ben Davies has signed an extension keeping him at Spurs until summer 2026 cementing his leadership role and UEFA squad utility. - Thomas Frank pushing for midfield midfielders
Spurs are heavily pursuing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze (release clause ~£60 million), whose interest in a move has been confirmed . They’re also eyeing Brentford’s captain Christian Nørgaard, which could spark a north London midfield tug‑of‑war with Arsenal .
- Centre‑back interest rises
With defensive depth lacking especially with Drăgușin sidelined Tottenham have targeted AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka. Experts say he’d pass medical clearance and provide much‑needed reliability in defence .
Departures & Speculations
- Son Heung‑min exit chatter intensifies
Ex‑Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara publicly suggested that 33‑year‑old Son might benefit from a move to “a slower league” with Saudi and Turkey mentioned among potential destinations . - Cristian Romero drawing Real Madrid interest
Reports out of Spain suggest Real Madrid’s new boss Xabi Alonso has included Cristian Romero on his shortlist. The defender hasn’t ruled out a move away from North London.
- Richarlison linked with Galatasaray move
Turkish sources suggest Richarlison could be on Galatasaray’s radar, with Spurs open to offers in the €20 million region as they streamline the squad .
Injury & Availability Update
- Radu Drăgușin remains sidelined
The Romanian centre-back will continue recovering from an ACL tear sustained in January, keeping him out past the start of next season.
- James Maddison’s future uncertain
Having suffered a knee injury post-season, Maddison’s immediate playing status and long-term role under new boss Thomas Frank are unclear .
Pre-Season Tour & Planning
- Summer warm-up in Asia
Spurs have confirmed their 2025 pre-season tour travels to Korea, including participation in the Coupang Play Series. They will face Newcastle United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3 .
✅ Tactics, Outlook & What’s Brewing
With Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham are retooling the squad in a compact window: new youthful defenders like Takai and Ndicka, midfield reinforcements like Eze (or Nørgaard), and strategic exits (Son, Richarlison) suggest a leaner, sharper side ahead of Champions League challenges. The main issues to monitor are Romero’s contract situation, Maddison’s health, and whether the club nets both a style-fitting midfielder (Eze) and a defensive rock.
