Liverpool are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, who’s set to have a tiny release clause this summer. The Reds may take advantage.
This comes from Sky Germany. Both Florian Plettenberg and Patrick Berger report that Ko Itakura is set to have a release clause this summer.
Both Sky Germany journalists mention interest from Tottenham Hotspur but Berger also notes that Liverpool have looked at the player. This comes after claims from Fabrizio Romano a couple of weeks ago that the Reds have scouted Itakura ‘multiple times’.
What’s particularly notable about this is the supposed size of this clause. The claim is that it will sit between €10m and €15m, meaning the low end here could be just £8.5m.
The variance in the clause is likely dependent on where Gladbach finish this season, or whether they’re playing European football next year. Either way, Itakura will almost certainly be a bargain signing for someone this summer.
Gladbach, understandably, want to sign him to a new contract – but that’ll depend on what Itakura wants to do. He’s currently at the Asian Cup having not played since October. His recovery from surgery (after an injury on international duty) coincided with the start of the tournament.
And interest will only grow in the 26-year-old centre-back if he impresses on the international stage. He’ll certainly be made aware of it, too, and if either Liverpool or Spurs maintain their desire to sign him, Gladbach will struggle to get that new contract.
This is firmly one to watch, then. Liverpool will almost certainly be in the market for a centre-back after Joel Matip’s injury. The Cameroonian’s contract also expires in the summer, which will prompt consideration around a replacement at the very least.
Itakura could well be that replacement – especially with a release clause that low.
