Reported Celtic target Ko Itakura looks close to sealing a move to Borussia Monchengladbach. The Japanese defender was said to be on Celtic’s list of transfer targets but this appeared only to be speculation with Celtic moving quickly to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent deal from Tottenham.
Broadcaster Derek Rae, who specialises in the Bundesliga, has said that Itakura will be a Gldbach player.
Gladbach, having prioritised a defensive midfielder, have got the player they wanted. Ko Itakura has completed his medical check & is expected to be at the training camp on the Tegernsee tomorrow. Transfer fee of around 4.5 mil Euro from Man C & contract until 2026 per Bild.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) July 2, 2022
Itakura impressed with Schalke as they gained promotion from Bundesliga.2 at the first time of asking. However, the North-Rhine side declined to take up the €6m option to buy the defender, claiming it to be too pricey. The 25-year-old is entering his final year with Man City and they will be keen to cash in. The Celtic-City link has been strengthened this summer with the arrival of Mark Lawwell.
Ange Postecoglou had targetted the defender, who can also play defensive midfield, last summer before opting to sign Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA Internationalist has already signed up until 2026 as the manager strengthens his side. Another defender would be ideal for Celtic, especially as it would provide depth to the backline.
Celtic will look elsewhere now that Itakura looks set to remain in Germany.
