Official | Ko Itakura joins Borussia Mönchengladbach from Manchester City | OneFootball

Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach have tonight announced the signing of 25-year-old Japan international Ko IItakura from Manchester City for a reported €5m.

The central-defender, who can also operate in midfield, has signed a four-year contract until 2026.

“Ko is an incredibly strong runner and a tactically-disciplined player who can play in an array of different positions across the defence, including in defensive-midfield,” said sporting director Roland Virkus. “He certainly had several attractive offers on the table, which makes us even more pleased that he’s chosen to sign with us, because he’s an important part of our plans.”

IItakura spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Schalke, playing 31 league games for the Royal Blues as they earned promotion back into the Bundesliga, but S04 opted against exercising their option to buy.

The former Groningen and Manchester City defender had also attracted interest from the Premier League but opted to join Gladbach after completing a medical on Friday.