Official | Ko Itakura returns to Borussia Mönchengladbach

Borussia Mönchengladbach have officially announced the return of Japanese defender Ko Itakura from Ajax. The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a new contract with the club until 2030, following his one-season stint at Ajax. According to Kicker, the transfer fee will initially be €3.5m, with potential bonuses increasing the total to €4m.

Ajax had previously paid €10.5m for Itakura's services last summer. During his three-year tenure at Borussia-Park, Itakura made 80 appearances and scored seven goals. The versatile defender proved himself as a regular in central defense and occasionally played as a defensive midfielder. In Ajax's season, he contributed 24 appearances and a goal before deciding to return to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

This move fills the void left by Nico Elvedi, who recently joined Leeds United for a fee of €10m. With Itakura's arrival, Gladbach can now rely on a familiar face in central defense. "We are very pleased that we have been able to sign a player who, in terms of quality and experience, corresponds exactly to the profile we were looking for following Nico Elvedi's departure," stated Gladbach's sporting director.

"I missed the club very much and, when the offer came, I immediately decided to return," Itakura expressed.