10 months ago
138 Liverpool have been linked with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura in recent weeks.
The Reds have made contact with the Bundesliga club over the 26-year-old, according to Sky Sport Germany.
As well as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur have apparently put feelers out regarding a potential future move for Itakura.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp may well look to bolster his defensive ranks in 2024, with Joel Matip’s Anfield contract set to end in the summer.
Despite Jarell Quansah making his Liverpool breakthrough this season, Klopp may well bring in another defender for the sake of strength in depth.
Itakura is a very talented and experienced player who’s only just entering his prime years and could be available for a bargain price this summer.
The report claims that the Japan international has a release clause which will be activated in the summer worth up to €15million (£13million).
Liverpool target Ko Itakura – factfile
Itakura has been playing at Gladbach since 2022, when he made a permanent €5million (£4.3million) move from Manchester City.
The Citizens signed the player in 2019 from A-League outfit Kawasaki Frontale, and he took in several loan spells while on the Premier League club’s books.
Although Itakura didn’t make a senior appearance for City, he has kicked on since leaving the Etihad Stadium and is now impressing in the Bundesliga.
The Bundesliga website, in a feature article they wrote last summer, shared quotes from Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus about Itakura.
“Ko covers an unbelievable amount of ground and is a tactically disciplined player who can operate in different positions in defence, including as a No.6,” he said.
“He had a number of attractive options in terms of a transfer, so we’re all the more delighted that he’s decided to join us because he’s a cornerstone of our planning.”
The Bundesliga website also likened the reported Liverpool and Tottenham target to Belgian powerhouse Jan Vertonghen.
“Rangy and quick over the ground, Itakura makes defending look easy,” they wrote.
“In theory right-footed but comfortable enough on the ball to have regularly played as the left-sided centre-half, he is similar in style to Benfica’s former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.”
All in all, Itakura looks like a great shout for Liverpool, and while it’s unlikely we’ll see much unfold on this front in January, it’s certainly one to watch from now until the summer.
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