Ajax's defensive future in doubt as Gladbach eyes Itakura

Borussia Mönchengladbach have signalled a desire to re‑acquire Japanese defender Ko Itakura, prompting concerns at Ajax over the player’s future. The German club plans to off‑load Nico Elvedi and, if a buyer emerges, intends to bring the 29‑year‑old back for a fee exceeding ten million euros. Ajax secured Itakura in August last year for a reported fee of over ten million euros. His first season in Amsterdam failed to deliver the expected impact. The defender endured a period with a back injury that limited his appearances. He was also deployed as a defensive midfielder, a role he does not favour, and never cemented a place in the centre‑back pairing.

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Sporting director Rouven Schröder of Gladbach approached Ajax last winter about a possible loan move for Itakura. This summer the German side is renewing the effort to bring him back permanently. Gladbach’s plan hinges on finding a purchaser for Swiss centre‑back Nico Elvedi, with Leeds United only making cautious enquiries. The club hopes to raise ten million euros from Elvedi’s sale to fund Itakura’s return. While the World Cup is underway, Itakura captains Japan’s Samurai Blue after Wataru Endo’s injury. He previously played for FC Groningen and was under contract at Gladbach from 2022 to 2025, amassing eighty official matches. Itakura’s contract with Ajax runs until mid‑2029, giving the Dutch champions a long‑term option. Ajax will monitor the Elvedi negotiations before deciding on his future.