Ko Itakura Completes Permanent Transfer From Manchester City

Ko Itakura has officially left Manchester City for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, it has been confirmed on Saturday night.

The Japanese international central defender has been at the centre of an intense transfer battle this summer.

Following an impressive season in Bundesliga 2. on-loan from Manchester City at Schalke 04, interest in the player heightened across Europe when his now-former club refused to activate their buy-option on the player.

Clubs in the Premier League and in the Bundesliga enquired about the asking price from City regarding Itakura, and with the Premier League club seeking a fee in the region of €6 million, the interest failed to reduce.

Newly-promoted English top-flight sides Bournemouth and Fulham both showed a keen interest in the player, as they looked to increase their hopes of safety in the Premier League next season.

Over in Germany, the likes of Hoffenheim and Freiburg looked to rival Borussia Monchengladbach for his signature.

Elsewhere, in Scotland, Celtic refused to come back in for a player that they had previously held in very high regard.

It became apparent very quickly that Germany was the player's preferred destination, and with multiple clubs willing to meet Manchester City's asking price, it seemed likely that the Bundesliga is where the player would move to.

Then it was confirmed on Saturday night that Borussia Monchengladbach had successfully won the race for the player.

The understanding in various quarters is that Manchester City have agreed to an initial €5 million transfer fee, with a further €750,000 in add-ons.

In an official club statement from the Bundesliga side, it was explained:

"Borussia has signed Japanese national player Ko Itakura from English champions Manchester City."

"The 25-year-old defensive player has a contract with the Foals until the 30th June 2026."

Borussia Monchengladbach's sporting director, Roland Virkus said, "Ko (Itakura) is an extremely strong and tactically disciplined player who can play in different positions on the defensive, including the 'Six'."

"He certainly had several attractive options for a change."

We are all the more pleased that he is convinced of our path, because it is an important building block in our planning."

As confirmed as part of the German club's statement, Itakura will now travel with his new team to their summer training camp on Sunday and be presented there to supporters in a press conference on Monday.

Everyone at City Xtra wishes Ko the very best of luck in his latest venture!