Manchester City defender Ko Itakura, is subject to interest from a number of Bundesliga clubs as he prepares for a move away from the Etihad. The Japanese footballer has been on loan at Bundesliga returnees, Schalke 04 and has enjoyed a good campaign in Germany.
Schalke have a buy option inserted in the loan agreement that remains valid until 31st May 2022. The club are however cash strapped and have made it known that they may not be able to exercise the €5.5m buy option.
Other Bundesliga clubs remain interested in the 25year-old who can play in defence or in a defensive midfield role. It has been widely reported that clubs are monitoring the situation and would be ready to pounce, should the Royal Blues pass up the chance to sign him permanently. Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt and Glasgow giants, Celtic are closely monitoring the situation and would swoop in after 31st May 2022.
Itakura has been on a number of loan spells since joining Man City in 2019. At Schalke, he has featured 32 times scoring 4 times from defence. His long-term future lies away from the Etihad and this may be the summer he takes a permanent move away to make a name for himself.
