German side Schalke have confirmed they are not signing Manchester City defender Ko Itakura on a permanent basis – a potential boost for Celtic. The Hoops are keen to sign the Japan international in the coming months.
Itakura, 25, has starred for Schalke on loan during the 21-22 campaign. The Manchester City star has played 32 times for the German side during the last 12 months, helping them win Bundesliga 2 and return to the top tier.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
He is now set to return to Manchester City where he has a contract until the summer of 2023. Schalke do have a permanent clause in his loan deal. However, on Tuesday afternoon, the German side have given an update.
Sky Germany claim Celtic are battling Eintracht Frankfurt to sign the defender – if Schalke did not sign him. Now, Schalke have confirmed with a post on social media that they will not be signing Itakura permanently.
Celtic boost: Schalke will not sign Itakura permanently after loan
Celtic could do with Itakura. They have Cameron Carter-Vickers, Chris Jullien, Stephen Welsh and Carl Starfelt as options. But Carter-Vickers has interest from the Premier League – and he might not stay at Celtic.
Jullien has interest in France, and his injuries have beleaguered his Celtic spell. Welsh was not first choice last season. So, the Hoops could do with another option at centre-back this summer and Itakura would be ideal.
A bargain at £5million, Itakura would join a club and fit right at home thanks to the presence of four Japanese stars; Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda. Celtic can now move.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
