Report: Centre-back linked with Spurs will now stay put at Bundesliga club
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that centre-back Ko Itakura, who is rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar, has decided to remain at Borussia Monchengladbach for one more season.
It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Spurs are now prioritising additions in central defence, with Bayern Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven being mooted as the club’s top targets (Fabrizio Romano).
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – MARCH 12: Micky van de Ven of VfL Wolfsburg looks dejected following the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Union Berlin at Volkswagen Arena on March 12, 2023 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)
Earlier this month, it was reported by Sky Germany in their live transfer blog (July 7, 9:39 pm) that Itakura was another defender who Spurs had their eye on.
The Japanese international has excelled since his switch to Gladbach last summer and it was suggested that he could now be on his way out of Borussia Park, just 12 months after arriving at the club, with Tottenham and Napoli both interested in services.
Postecoglou came up against the 26-year-old during his time in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, with the defender playing for Vegalta Sendai at the time.
Itakura had also been linked with a move to Celtic back in 2021 (The Daily Record), which is perhaps further evidence that he is someone the Australian coach had identified as a target.
No summer transfer for Itakura despite Spurs links
Plettenberg has now taken to social media to reveal that the Gladbach star has decided he will remain at the Bundesliga club for one more season.
The journalist revealed that Itakura rejected a big contract offer from Al-Hilal and also turned down Napoli’s advances, but he makes no mention of any approach for Spurs for the Japanese defender.
Excl. Ko #Itakura: He has decided to stay at @borussia! He won’t join another club this summer.
The 26 y/o has rejected a big big concrete offer from Al-Hilal: €12m NET/year
Itakura also rejected Napoli. #BMG @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/bkzeVtk60t
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 14, 2023
Spurs Web Opinion
It is quite clear that Itakura is a name that would have been put forward by Postecoglou but there is nothing to indicate that the 26-year-old was ever really one of Tottenham’s top centre-back targets this summer.
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