Plan position closed: The signing of Japan international Ko Itakura gives Borussia coach Daniel Farke a versatile defensive player who will primarily fill the vacant position in midfield
Borussia Mönchengladbach have signed Japanese international Ko Itakura from Manchester City. What had already been hinted at is now perfect: Gladbach confirmed the transfer and also that Itakura signed a contract until 2026.
The flexibility is an advantage
In the past season Itakura was loaned to FC Schalke 04. There he developed into a crowd favourite and played a significant role in their return to the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old scored four goals in 31 second division games for the Königsblauen. In the rankings, the 1.86-metre-tall right-footer was recently ranked as Outstanding twice. For financial reasons, the Gelsenkirchen side were unable to pull out the agreed purchase option worth almost six million euros after promotion, so the Japanese player returned to Manchester City for the time being.
At Schalke, Itakura mostly played in central defence, at the Foals he is now planned for defensive midfield. Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus was still looking for a “clear six”, now his coach Daniel Farke gets a versatile professional. Itakura made his debut for the Japanese national team in September 2019 and has since made twelve appearances for the “Samurai Blue”.
