Celtic are unlikely to land Manchester City centre-back Ko Itakura on loan this summer, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports.
According to Joseph, Celtic had been tracking the Manchester City man over the course of the Olympics. Itakura had been part of Japan’s squad, after a solid season on loan at FC Groningen.
Itakura had told Groningen’s website, upon leaving the club, that he dreamt of playing for a “world-famous club” [FCG]. Unfortunately for Celtic, that won’t be us. The former Kawasaki Frontale man had made the transfer reports, with the Daily Record stating that Ange Postecoglou was specifically keen on the Japanese centre-half.
After the signing of Carl Starfelt, Celtic still need defensive cover. While Stephen Welsh has impressed, and Dane Murray looks like a promising option, experience is needed.
Oddly, it’s not as if the club were linked to numerous centre-backs. That’s despite a pretty obvious need for reinforcements. Even with Christopher Jullien to return from injury, it’s not a position of strength.
With Kristoffer Ajer departing for Brentford, the Bhoys lack European experience in defence.
There is a caveat, however. Joseph used the words “on loan”. While no reporting has suggested a permanent move for the Manchester City man, there’s perhaps a twist in the tale here. Or, it’s semantics.
Celtic may have to pull a surprise on supporters after move for Manchester City man Ko Itakura goes awry
It’s disappointing news, certainly. In our profile of Itakura, we identified the Manchester City man as a tall, elegant striker who featured in the fourth-best defence in the Eredivisie last season [ESPN].
His stats were considerable, too. Itakura boasted 1.3 tackles, 2 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per 90 for Groningen in 20-21 [WhoScored?]. That indicates a player who’s adept at reading the game, making timely interventions, and doing the dirty work when needed.
So, who do Celtic turn to now? Who knows. Some of the more surprising movement of this transfer window has been the most successful. Deals for Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada and Osaze Urhoghide were announced rapidly.
Obviously, the scouts and coaches at Celtic will have some tricks up their sleeve for the rest of the window. However, losing out on Itakura, if indeed that is the case, is surely a disappointment for Postecoglou.
In other news: Celtic look to Greek striker
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
