Liverpool eye Japanese defender Ko Itakura to bolster their weakened defence

Sky Sport News reporter Florian Plettenberg has indicated that Borussia Mönchengladbach’s standout defender, Ko Itakura, is poised to have a release clause in his contract in the summer. At 26 years old, Itakura’s existing contract with M’Gladbach is set to conclude in 2026. Following this, the German club has expressed a willingness to negotiate an extension with Itakura, acknowledging his pivotal role as one of the key players for the team.

According to Sky Germany, the Japanese international’s contract with M’Gladbach boasts a release clause valued between €10-15 million in his contract, extending its validity until the summer of 2025. Presently, the defender has taken on the pivotal role of a center-back in the team led by Liverpool star Wataru Endo as the Japanese national team competes for the prestigious Asia Cup.

In recent weeks, there has been speculation connecting the Premier League toppers Liverpool and Tottenham with the Bundesliga ace. The player’s price tag is notably modest, presenting an affordable option for Liverpool, particularly as they seek long-term solutions to compensate for the absence of certain injured squad members.

Since his arrival at Adi Hutter’s side in 2022, Itakura has garnered widespread acclaim for his performances. Famous for his exceptional tackling abilities, he emerges as a fitting candidate as a defender at the Anfield side, which is known for its aggressive style of play. Additionally, he excels in aerial duels, contributing two goals to Gladbach’s tally.

Ko Itakura is a player who comes at a cheap price

In the latter part of the previous year, Liverpool took substantial blows in both their defensive and offensive domains. The Reds encountered a series of challenges as key players, including team captain Andy Robertson, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, and Kostas Tsimikas, were sequentially sidelined due to injuries sustained on the field.

Consequently, these pivotal figures found themselves missing numerous official fixtures as they underwent rehabilitation to recover from their respective injuries.

Given that the senior defenders are well into their 30s, many of whom are down with injuries, Jurgen Klopp would undoubtedly seek robust replacements capable of offering long-term solutions. Adding to the challenges, Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently sidelined due to an injury, further emphasizing the need for reinforcements. Additionally, the absence of Merseyside’s top scorer, Mo Salah, and key midfielder Wataru Endo, engaged in international duties, compounds the team’s predicament.

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In this case, Itakura emerges as a fitting solution for the club. Furthermore, under the seasoned guidance of Jurgen Klopp, he would have the opportunity to undergo substantial development, which would contribute to his overall growth and proficiency on the field.