Greg . 2 days ago

Ajax recognize Japanese international Ko Itakura as Jorrel Hato replacement

Ajax have recognized Japanese international Ko Itakura as the ideal replacement for Jorrel Hato, Dutch sources reported on Wednesday.

Ajax and Chelsea reached an agreement on the transfer of Jorrel Hato on Wednesday evening.

Hato will cost Chelsea a reported €43 million, which Ajax will need in order to replace the young defensive stalwart.

According to Voetbal International's Tim van Duijn, the Amsterdam side have already started approaching clubs for potential replacements.

Top of the list is Borussia Monchengladbach's Ko Itakura, a 28-year-old Japanese international who plays both positions in the heart of the defence.

 Several names came up in internal discussions, one of which was that of Sporting Portugal's Jeremiah St.

Juste.

UnanimousVan Duijn reports that "everyone" in the Ajax organisation is in agreement over the potential arrival of Itakura, who's anticipated to cost just under €10 million.

Itakura himself wants to join Ajax and has already talked to director of football Marijn Beuker, who met with the defender during a trip to partner club Gamba Osaka earlier this year.

Ko Itakura's recent statisticsBetopickAjax have already initiated contact with both Itakura and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Itakura joined Gladbach from Manchester City in 2022 and played two seasons on loan for FC Groningen, where he motivated the likes of Ajax and PSV.

 Besides Ajax, PSV have also tried to lure Itakura support to the Eredivisie.

The Japanese international was a reported target for the reigning Eredivisie champions in the summer of 2024, as well as this year.

Itakura is under contract at Gladbach for one more year.

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