# Ko Itakura club and international career developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ko-itakura-club-and-international-career-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-11T10:41:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Japanese defender Ko Itakura has faced uncertainty regarding his international and club commitments following his return to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga.

Initial reports suggested Itakura might miss the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to focus on his club career. There were indications that specific transfer clauses might require him to prioritize club activities. Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu stated he would respect the player’s decision if he chose to prioritize his professional career.

Following his return to Mönchengladbach from Ajax, Itakura’s performance in the Bundesliga season opener against RB Leipzig drew scrutiny. After a 0-3 loss, reports indicated he struggled to provide defensive stability, with analysts citing a lack of match fitness. Data from the match also highlighted a speed deficit compared to teammate Daiki Hashioka.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) is currently addressing reports that Itakura may forgo the 2027 tournament to focus on his club duties. While German media suggests Itakura has indicated a willingness to skip the competition, JFA Technical Committee Chairman Masakuni Yamamoto noted that the association maintains regular communication with the player. Yamamoto emphasized that while the JFA cannot interfere in private contracts between a player and their club, the association will continue to pursue his involvement and prepare in accordance with established rules.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Ko Itakura Asian Cup participation under discussion by JFA

The JFA is communicating with defender Ko Itakura regarding reports that he may skip the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to focus on his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-itakura-asian-cup-participation-under-discussion-by-jfa

### 2026-08-31: Ko Itakura faces scrutiny after Borussia Mönchengladbach return

Ko Itakura's return to Borussia Mönchengladbach has met with scrutiny following a 0-3 loss to RB Leipzig, with concerns raised over his match fitness and top speed.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-itakura-faces-scrutiny-after-borussia-mnchengladbach-return

### 2026-08-22: Ko Itakura may miss AFC Asian Cup to focus on club career

Japan defender Ko Itakura may miss the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to focus on his club career with Borussia Mönchengladbach, according to reports. Manager Hajime Moriyasu stated he would respect the player's career-led

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-itakura-may-miss-afc-asian-cup-to-focus-on-club-career

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Cite as: Ko Itakura club and international career developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ko-itakura-club-and-international-career-developments