Ajax step up pursuit of Gladbach’s Ko Itakura

By Cameron Smith@_Camjsmith

Ajax Amsterdam are making a serious move to sign Borussia Mönchengladbach protector Ko Itakura, with negotiations now set to speed up following a major outgoing transfer.On Wednesday

night, Ajax finalised an agreement with Chelsea over the sale of 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato for a cost reported to be simply over EUR40 million. According to Kicker, the Dutch giants prepare to reinvest part of that amount in a bid to entice Itakura to the Johan Cruyff Arena.Reports in the Netherlands suggest Ajax have actually currently reached a broad agreement with the player. Talks with Gladbach over a transfer cost are still pending, with the Bundesliga side anticipated to require around EUR10 million. Ajax, nevertheless, are hoping to drive the rate down into single-digit millions.Frankfurt and PSV had revealed interest Itakura, 28, has been related to numerous clubs this summer season, consisting of Eintracht Frankfurt and

PSV Eindhoven. Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus verified there had been a”loose query “from PSV earlier in the window, however”no deal.”Ajax, on the other hand, have been keeping track of the Japan worldwide for months and now appear ready to act.The flexible protector, who can likewise play as a defensive midfielder, has a strong reputation in the Netherlands after investing two and a half seasons with FC Groningen from 2019 to 2021. He later on impressed at Schalke (2021/22)before developing himself as a crucial figure at Gladbach.With Itakura’s agreement set to end next summer and no extension on the horizon, the Foals are under pressure to cash in. “If something fascinating is available in, we need to take a look at it– that becomes part of our path,” Virkus admitted.Champions Legaue football a significant lure Itakura, who has 37 caps and two goals for Japan, is supposedly attracted by the possibility to play Champions League football, a phase that Ajax can provide. For Gladbach, offering him would likewise open the door for summer signing Kevin Diks, who showed up on a complimentary transfer from FC Copenhagen, to step into the centre-back function.