Schalke 04 could sign Celtic summer target Ko Itakura permanently next year. But only if the German club achieves promotion back to the Bundesliga.
According to Sport Bild, the second-tier side have an option in Itakura’s loan deal that means Schalke can sign the Manchester City defender for €4.5m (£3.7m), but only if the west German side clinch promotion to the top-flight.
As per the report, promotion would be an ‘enormous feat’ for the European club. Whilst Schalke currently sit third in the standings, returning to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking would be some achievement.
Indeed, Celtic will be hoping that Schalke miss out on promotion if Ange Postecoglou is to again target a move for Itakura. The Japanese defender was hotly linked with a move to Scotland over the summer transfer window.
However, the Hoops were unable to agree on a deal with City for the 24-year-old centre-back. And this allowed Schalke to swoop in for a loan deal with Itakura, and the transfer has so far been a roaring success for the defender.
The Japanese international has started all but one game for Schalke, with Itakura keeping a clean sheet in four matches as the former Bundesliga giants continue to pick up results in the second-tier.
Itakura form could inspire Celtic to make 2022 move if Schalke miss promotion
The form of Itakura has been impressive, to say the least. And Celtic could be eager to reignite their interest in the summer of 2022 if Schalke misses out on promotion to the Bundesliga.
Whilst Schalke sit third, there’s a good chance that the German side can miss out on promotion. The 2. Bundesliga is regarded as one of the hardest divisions to get out of in Europe. And Celtic will be hoping Dimitrios Grammozis’s remain in the second-tier.
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