Borussia Monchengladbach have already started to think about the long-term situation of Kota Takai, even though the defender is only on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.
This is according to the German outlet rhenish postWho report that Gladbach see potential in the 21-year-old, despite a costly mistake in the 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Japan international faced a tough battle in the final 20 minutes, with poor positioning and a loose first touch preventing a goal. Shortly afterwards, he lost again in a foot race.
Nevertheless, the overall assessment inside the club appears to be more measured. Takai previously impressed in his first full 90 minutes against Stuttgart and has shown flashes of quality in the Bundesliga. As a result, Gladbach aren't just evaluating him on one bad afternoon.
The loan from Tottenham is structured without risk
Takai joined on direct loan from Tottenham in January. Financially, there is little risk for Gladbach in the move. There is no immediate obligation to buy, and a permanent deal after the season is currently considered unlikely due to cost.
However, the German side are already exploring creative scenarios that could keep him at the club beyond this campaign. Details of those ideas have not been disclosed. It is clear that Tottenham remain at the center of any decision.
For Spurs, the loan serves a clear purpose. Takai struggled for minutes after a long break in England. Regular Bundesliga football provides him with rhythm and performance at a high level. At 21, he remains more of a development project than a finished product.
what's next for him
Takai is expected to receive significant playing time between now and May. This will give Tottenham a wider sample to assess their progress. It would also allow Gladbach to decide whether it made sense to pursue a more complex arrangement.
A permanent transfer this summer looks difficult at the moment. Nevertheless, early planning suggests that Gladbach has not ruled out trying to pursue a partnership. Of course, a lot will depend on how Takai responds on the pitch in the coming weeks.
