Man City complete sale of Ko Itakura, as Bundesliga takers explain his appeal

Manchester City have sold Ko Itakura to Borussia Monchengladbach, where he has signed a four-year contract.

Itakura had been on the books of Manchester City since 2019, when they brought him to Europe from Kawasaki Frontale in his native Japan. He never made an appearance for the Premier League club, though.

Instead, the defender spent most of his time on loan away from Manchester City. First, he spent two-and-a-half seasons in the Netherlands with Groningen.

For the Dutch side, he made 59 appearances across all competitions. His spell there ended in 2021, prompting City to find a new destination for him.

Itakura signed for Schalke for the 2021-22 season, making 31 appearances in the German second tier and one in the cup. He helped his side win promotion, but they did not activate their option to buy.

At the end of that loan spell, there was speculation that Itakura could get his chance in the Premier League. It wouldn’t be with City, but the likes of Fulham and Bournemouth were linked after winning promotion from the Championship.

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However, Itakura will continue his