Celtic have been linked with a move for Japanese Internationalist Ko Itakura. The Manchester City defender spent the last 18 months on loan in the Netherlands with Groningen but with just a year remaining on his deal, Celtic have emerged as potential suitors for the 24-year-old.
The Daily Record reported yesterday that Ange Postecoglou was eyeing a move for the defender.
The Cynic gave a detailed report on the stats behind the performances of Itakura as a central defender.
Latest Celtic transfer rumour:
Ko Itakura 🇯🇵
Stat report shows defender who picks his moments when challenging for ball, and who has a high success-rate when doing so, especially when choosing to tackle.
Used to having ball at feet, very secure in possession from own half. pic.twitter.com/VFuSx2BnPQ
— The Celtic Analysis (@CynicAnalysis) June 28, 2021
The player has just five appearances for the Japanese National Team, scoring once in a 10-0 win over Myanmar. Celtic are nearing a deal for Mario Vuskovic from Hajduk Split but are also considering a move for Erik Sviatchenko from FC Midtjylland. There are a number of key positions that the manager will likely see to address and there are a few targets already mentioned – like Matty Ryan and Aaron Mooy touted as potential signings.
Itakura would be available for a cut-price deal given his contract status and it would be interesting to see if Celtic utilise the unofficial City link in order to sign the player.
