Tottenham are weighing up a swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach’s defensive wall Ko Itakura
Tottenham Hotspur are looking for defensive reinforcements in this January’s transfer window after a major injury crisis in that department this season.
It’s been a hugely challenging campaign for Ange Postecoglou so far, having had to contend without his first-choice centre-back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for months. Both Romero and Van de Ven returned from their respective injuries against Chelsea in December and got injured again in the same game.
In addition, Ben Davies has also been out for over a month now with a hamstring injury, having recently suffered a setback in training. As the centre-back options have been stretched thin, Ange Postecoglou continues to use young midfielder Archie Gray in central defence alongside Radu Dragusin.
-> Tottenham want to sign a CB in January, Ko Itakura one of the names on their radar
Thus, it isn’t surprising that the Lilywhites have been linked with several central defenders in recent weeks, one of those being Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham have contacted the camp of Ko Itakura over a potential move to North London and the defender is open to joining them this month.
The Japanese international has not missed a single minute of Bundesliga action this season, starting all 15 games for Borussia Monchengladbach. He has been a rock at the back, delivering rock-solid performances although Gladbach haven’t been at their best and lie eighth in the Bundesliga table.
Itakura and his representatives’ willingness to leave Gladbach and join Spurs should give our club chiefs hope to launch an offensive this month. The aforementioned report adds that the centre-back would cost around £15 million, but PSV Eindhoven are also interested in his signature.
The 27-year-old has caught the eye with his strength, decision-making, ball-playing ability and leadership skills. With his five goals during his time at Gladbach so far, the Yokohama-born talent also offers an attacking threat from corners and set-pieces which would be a big plus for Big Ange’s side.
-> How Big Ange and board are shaping Tottenham Hotspur’s January transfer plans
Right-footed, the ex-Manchester City man would enhance the North Londoners’ defensive unit whilst being a solid option to rest and rotate with Romero, who has had a few injury problems this season. At 27, Itakura is operating at the peak of his powers and could make an immediate impact at Tottenham.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
All in all, Daniel Levy and Co. must act swiftly and wrap up a deal for Itakura to boost Big Ange’s defensive unit.
