Ajax step up pursuit of Gladbach’s Ko Itakura

Ajax Amsterdam are making a serious move to sign Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, with negotiations now set to accelerate following a major outgoing transfer.

On Wednesday evening, Ajax finalised an agreement with Chelsea over the sale of 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato for a fee reported to be just over €40 million. According to Kicker, the Dutch giants plan to reinvest part of that sum in a bid to lure Itakura to the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Reports in the Netherlands suggest Ajax have already reached a broad agreement with the player. Talks with Gladbach over a transfer fee are still pending, with the Bundesliga side expected to demand around €10 million. Ajax, however, are hoping to drive the price down into single-digit millions.

Frankfurt and PSV had shown interest

Itakura, 28, has been linked with several clubs this summer, including Eintracht Frankfurt and PSV Eindhoven. Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus confirmed there had been a “loose enquiry” from PSV earlier in the window, but “no offer.” Ajax, on the other hand, have been monitoring the Japan international for months and now appear ready to act.

The versatile defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, has a strong reputation in the Netherlands after spending two and a half seasons with FC Groningen from 2019 to 2021. He later impressed at Schalke (2021/22) before establishing himself as a key figure at Gladbach.

With Itakura’s contract set to expire next summer and no extension on the horizon, the Foals are under pressure to cash in. “If something interesting comes in, we have to look at it – that’s part of our path,” Virkus admitted.

Champions Legaue football a major lure

Itakura, who has 37 caps and two goals for Japan, is reportedly attracted by the chance to play Champions League football, a stage that Ajax can offer. 

For Gladbach, selling him would also open the door for summer signing Kevin Diks, who arrived on a free transfer from FC Copenhagen, to step into the centre-back role.