Napoli remain interested in Borussia Moenchengladbach defender

Antonio Conte has his eye on Ko Itakura

It looks like Napoli manager Antonio Conte still isn’t satisfied with the depth of his squad when it comes to the center-back position. There’s no doubt that both lessandro Buongiorno and Amir Rrahmani have been very good but there is too much of a drop off after them with Juan Jesus and Rafa Marin not making a good. impression on Conte.

Conte remains interested in Borussia Moenchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Itakura is a Japanese professional footballer who’s known versatility, defensive skills, and composure on the ball. He started his professional career with Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League, Japan’s first division. After displaying significant potential as a center-back and defensive midfielder, he moved to Europe in 2019 when he joined Manchester City,. He then ended up getting loaned out to FC Groningen in the Netherlands. Itakura’s time in Groningen proved transformative; he quickly adapted to the physicality and tempo of European football, impressing with his technical ability, tactical awareness, and calm distribution under pressure.

In 2021, he joined FC Schalke 04 on loan in the German 2. Bundesliga, where he was instrumental in helping the team secure promotion back to the Bundesliga. Known for his ability to read the game and strong tackling, Itakura has become a valuable asset, both defensively and in initiating plays from the back. He joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga in 2022, further establishing himself as a reliable and adaptable player. Internationally, he has been capped for Japan’s national team and featured prominently in major tournaments, reflecting his rising influence in both club and international football.

FotMob has Itakura rated at a 6.75 so far this season in the Bundesliga and has a current transfer value of 15 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.

Comment below, should Napoli acquire Itakura from Gladbach?