Ange Postecoglou wanted to sign Ko Itakura when he was in charge of Celtic, so there was no surprise when the Japanese star was linked with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
According to Sky Germany on July 7, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Ko Itakura from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer transfer window.
The report claimed interest in the Japan international central defender from Serie A champions Napoli as well.
Sky Germany reported at the time that Itakura could leave Monchengladbach this summer.
However, it has now emerged that Itakura will not join Tottenham or Napoli in the summer transfer window.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported on Twitter that Itakura has decided to stay at Monchengladbach.
Plettenberg has claimed that the former Manchester City prospect will not move to another club this summer.
Described as an “incredibly fast” defender who “can head well” by former Brighton and Hove Albion and NAC Breda defender Hans Kraay Jr. (Fcgfans.nl, March 9, 2018), Itakura has rejected Napoli as well as Al-Hilal, according to the Sky Germany journalist.
Ko Itakura transfer blow for Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou
Itakura’s stance on his future will come as a blow for new Tottenham head coach Postecoglou.
The Daily Record reported in 2021 that Postecoglou wanted to sign the former FC Groningen loanee, but he ended up joining Schalke on loan instead.
The Australian manager was then in charge of Celtic in Scotland.
Itakura made the switch to Monchengladbach from Manchester City on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022 for €5 million (£4.5 million), as reported by The Manchester Evening News at the time.
And it seems Postecoglou, who managed Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan from 2018 until 2021, will miss out on signing the defender once again.
Itakura made 22 starts and two substitute appearances in the Bundesliga last season.
The defender gave two assists in those games.
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