Overview
- Ko Itakura completed his permanent transfer from Ajax to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Thursday and signed a contract that runs until mid-2030 after passing a medical.
- Ajax confirmed the move in a club statement that thanked Itakura for his contribution in Amsterdam and noted he had been surplus to requirements after making 26 first-team appearances.
- Ajax paid more than €10 million to buy Itakura from Gladbach in 2025, and contemporary reports differ on how much Ajax will keep from the sale, citing figures of €3.5 million and €5 million.
- Gladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder said the club pursued Itakura to replace Nico Elvedi and highlighted the defender’s experience and quick fit because of his previous spell at Borussia-Park.
- Itakura described the move as ‘coming home,’ and his return could provide immediate defensive stability for Gladbach while fans and coaches watch how he pairs with the club’s remaining centre-backs.