Ko Itakura has been quoted by the Scottish Express as saying that he is “happy” to hear about rumours claiming he could move to Celtic. The Japan defender will not be staying at loan club Schalke.
Contracted to Manchester City, 25-year-old Itakura spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan with the Bundesliga.2 side. He played a crucial part, clocking up 32 appearances and helping Schalke gain promotion as Champions.
Despite having a £5million clause in the loan deal at Schalke, and with his current City deal ending in 2023 – Schalke have confirmed they will not be permanently signign Itakura. Celtic are interested, as per reports.
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The Hoops are likely to be one of the favourites for the “incredibly fast” Itakura. Now, the player – who is with the Japan national side – responded when asked about potential move to Celtic this summer.
“I’m very happy to hear that story because I’ve seen it in the news,” Itakura said on Celtic’s interest – as per the Express. “Firstly, I want to go where I am needed. I haven’t decided on a team yet, no.”
Itakura ‘happy’ to hear Celtic rumours: Move makes utter sense
Even more so, in the last few days. Firstly, Carl Starfelt has suffered a hamstring injury with Sweden and it highlights the need for a defender. Chris Jullien looks as though he could return to France.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is yet to sign permanently from Tottenham – a move Chris Sutton has urged his old side to complete before things get “twitchy”. Stephen Welsh is no better than a fringe player at Parkhead.
So, signing a centre-back makes sense. Itakura is cheap, City have good connections with City, and there are already four Japanese players at Parkhead. It makes utter sense for Itakura to join the Hoops.
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