# Ko Itakura re-signs with Borussia Mönchengladbach > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ko-itakura-transfer-to-borussia-mnchengladbach > Updated: 2026-08-18T21:33:36.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Japanese defender Ko Itakura has officially re-signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach from Ajax Amsterdam. The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a contract that runs until June 2030. The transfer fee is estimated at a guaranteed €3.5 million, potentially reaching €4 million with bonuses, and includes a sell-on clause for Ajax. This represents a significant decrease from the €10.5 million Gladbach paid to acquire him from Ajax last summer. For Ajax, the sale is part of a strategy to reduce the club’s wage bill and raise funds for new signings. Gladbach head of sports Rouven Schröder noted that the club had been considering Itakura’s return since the winter, identifying him as the player to provide the experience and quality required to replace Nico Elvedi, who recently departed for Leeds United. Upon completing the move, Itakura expressed his enthusiasm for the return, stating, “It feels like being back home.” While the move is viewed as a major boost for the Gladbach defense, some reports have highlighted concerns regarding Itakura’s recent injury history, specifically recurring thigh and back issues experienced during his single season in the Netherlands. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Ko Itakura re-signs with Borussia Mönchengladbach from Ajax Japanese defender Ko Itakura has officially rejoined Borussia Mönchengladbach from Ajax on a contract until 2030, replacing Nico Elvedi in the club's defense. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-itakura-to-return-to-borussia-mnchengladbach-from-ajax ### 2026-08-16: Football transfers: Gamba Osaka targets Juanpe; Ko Itakura nears Mönchengladbach return Gamba Osaka is nearing a deal for Spanish midfielder Juanpe, while defender Ko Itakura is set to return to Borussia Mönchengladbach from Ajax. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-footballers-face-potential-transfer-shifts-in-europe-and-japan --- Cite as: Ko Itakura re-signs with Borussia Mönchengladbach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ko-itakura-transfer-to-borussia-mnchengladbach