Japanese center-back Ko Itakura has confirmed his return to Borussia Mönchengladbach, signing a contract until June 2030.

Borussia Mönchengladbach announced on Thursday the official return of 29-year-old Japanese center-back Ko Itakura. The two sides signed a four-year contract, valid until June 30, 2030.

Ko Itakura previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach from 2022 to 2025, and this signing means the two sides will reunite after a season apart. Hampered by a left ankle injury, he only made 80 appearances during his three-year stint with Mönchengladbach, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.

Since joining Ajax, Ko Itakura has continued to be plagued by injuries. To date, he has only made 26 appearances for Ajax, scoring just one goal.

However, Ko Itakura has gradually grown into a key member of the Japanese national team in recent years. He has made 42 appearances for Japan to date, during which time he has represented the team in the 2019 Copa America in Brazil, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Sky Sports Germany, Ko Itakura's transfer fee is €3.5 million plus €500,000 in add-ons. Upon his return, he will wear the number 6 jersey for Borussia Mönchengladbach and directly fill the defensive void left by Nico Elvedi's departure.

After the transfer was completed, Borussia Mönchengladbach's sporting director, Ruben Schröder, explained: "We had been considering bringing Ko Itakura back to Borussia Mönchengladbach since the winter transfer window. What sounded like a rather bold plan at the time has now become a reality. We are very happy to have signed a player with both experience and ability after Nico Elvedi's departure. More importantly, he is not only very familiar with the club and requires almost no adaptation period, but he is also eager to return. This makes everything perfect."

Ko Itakura said, "I'm very happy to be back in Borussia Mönchengladbach. I missed it so much. When I received the invitation, I decided to come back. It feels like coming home. I look forward to playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach again and stepping onto the pitch in front of our home fans."

Image source: Internet/Borussia Mönchengladbach official website