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Kota Takai departs Tottenham to join Monchengladbach, taking teenage Spurs loanee’s route

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Anirban Bose | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 5:45 PM ET

Kota Takai joined Tottenham Hotspur, earlier this year in July.

Tottenham Hotspur have let go of one of their young prospects Kota Takai, on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. The German club has already announced the signing of the 2004-born Japanese international central defender. He will be on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until June 30, 2026.

Takai could make his Bundesliga debut on January 11. The Japanese had signed a five-year contract upon joining the Spurs, which will expire in 2030. As per reports, Borussia Monchengladbach has also shortlisted some other defenders. Linus Gechter and Jorne Spileers, who are the names linked with them.

Kota Takai takes the same route as Spurs’ Luka Vuskovic

Takai’s loan is very similar to Luka Vuskovic’s. The latter has been impressive after being out on loan at HSV Hamburg. The 21-year-old Japanese center-back has not made a first-team appearance since moving to north London from Kawasaki Frontale for £5million in the summer, for a record sale for the J-League. In the initial days at Spurs, his playing time was bumped due to injuries. He only played 45 minutes for Tottenham Under-21 in a closed-door friendly match against Leyton Orient.

Speaking after closing the deal, Monchengladbach head of sports Rouven Schroder said of Takai: “Kota is a tall, physically strong centre-half who also has good pace. He’s got what it takes to help us in the immediate future. We’re delighted to welcome our new No14.”

Spurs, after a busy summer transfer market, will need a similar active participation in the January window as well. Mathys Tel is another player who has not been impressive for the London club. There are reports of him being sent out on loan. Spurs have had their problems on the attacking front, with their center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven having conceded 23 goals; they have failed to win games due to the lack of scoring ability. They have the fewest goals scored among the big six clubs.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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