Ko Itakura re-signs with Borussia Mönchengladbach from Ajax

Borussia Mönchengladbach has officially re-signed Japanese international defender Ko Itakura from Ajax Amsterdam. The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a contract that runs until 2030.

Itakura returns to the Bundesliga club after a one-year stint in the Netherlands. The transfer is seen as a strategic move to replace Nico Elvedi, who recently departed for Leeds United. Sporting Director Rouven Schröder noted that the club had been considering Itakura's return since the winter, citing his familiarity with the club and his high quality as ideal for their defensive needs.

The financial details of the deal involve a guaranteed fee of approximately €3.5 million, with potential bonuses bringing the total to €4 million. This represents a significant decrease from the €10.5 million Gladbach paid to acquire him from Ajax last summer. Ajax reportedly agreed to the sale to manage their wage bill and generate funds for new signings.

While the move is a major boost for Gladbach's defense, some reports highlight concerns regarding Itakura's recent injury history, including recurring thigh and back issues during his time at Ajax.