Borussia Mönchengladbach's Itakura departs as their newest exit - Borussia Monchengladbach's Itakura set for departure
Ajax Bolsters Defence with Ko Itakura Signing
Ajax Amsterdam has strengthened its squad for the upcoming season with the acquisition of Ko Itakura from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Japanese international defender has signed a four-year contract with Ajax, running until June 2029, with an option for an additional year.
The transfer fee for Itakura is reported to be around €10.5 million, with the potential to rise to €12 million through bonuses. Itakura's contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach was set to run until June 2029, but he has decided to leave early.
Itakura, a 28-year-old defender, brings a wealth of experience and strong defensive and possession skills to Ajax. During his three seasons at Mönchengladbach, he made 75 Bundesliga appearances, scoring six goals.
Key defensive statistics highlight Itakura's effectiveness. He ranked second in defensive clearances at the club since the 2022/23 season with 322 clearances (153 headed), won 303 duels including 146 aerial duels, made 77 interceptions, and completed 67 successful tackles.
Offensively, Itakura contributed significantly by carrying the ball 1,008 times (with 541 progressive carries), completing 1,310 forward passes with an accuracy of 89.7%, and having 69 open-play attempts on goal – the highest among defenders at Mönchengladbach last season.
Ajax's director of football has praised Itakura's experience, stability, tactical intelligence, and leadership, stating that he is expected to form a centre-back partnership with Josip Sutalo. Itakura himself expressed confidence that his style suits Ajax.
Meanwhile, Borussia Mönchengladbach has signed Kevin Diks from FC Copenhagen to bolster its defence. The departure of Itakura, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, and the loss of Alassane Pléa, who has moved to Eindhoven, leaves a void in the team. However, Shuto Machino and Haris Tabakovic are expected to help fill the offensive gap left by Pléa's departure and the injury of national player Tim Kleindienst.
Roland Virkus, Borussia Mönchengladbach's sporting director, described Itakura as an excellent footballer and an excellent person. Itakura, known for always putting the team first, has left a mark at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
With Itakura's departure, Ajax has secured a technically skilled and defensively solid centre-back to bolster its backline as it prepares for the new season.
The steel industry, following Ajax's strengthening of their squad, might benefit from community aid due to the potential increase in demand for sports equipment, particularly those used in football, a sector which European-leagues like the Bundesliga and Eredivisie are part of. Ko Itakura's contribution in the sport over the past few seasons, including his defensive prowess and offensive skills, may have left a lasting impact in the football leagues he played in, comparable to a past steel industrialist who left a significant mark on the industry.
