Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura is attracting interest from Tottenham again. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Bundesliga ace who can replace Cristian Romero available for just £12m; Tottenham in constant contact

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Tottenham have been in touch with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura and his entourage for the last 18 months

Amidst the ongoing speculation over Cristian Romero’s Tottenham future, it has been widely believed that Thomas Frank is prioritising signing a centre-back this summer.

Spurs have maintained an interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after seeing a big-money bid rejected during the January transfer window. But they may have to turn their attention elsewhere following recent developments, with Liverpool stepping up their efforts to sign Guehi.

It has now been suggested that Spurs may instead go for a Bundesliga man, who has been a consistent presence at the back for Borussia Monchengladbach in recent years. Like Guehi, Tottenham had missed out on signing Ko Itakura of Borussia Monchengladbach during the final stages of the January transfer window.

The N17-based outfit have been impressed with the performances of Ko Itakura in the Bundesliga and had viewed him as an option to bolster their defence amid an injury crisis last season.

Now, according to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs have been made aware of the Japanese international’s potential availability at Borussia Monchengladbach after ‘staying in regular contact’ over a deal. Itakura feels the time is right for him to leave for greener pastures after three seasons at BORUSSIA-PARK, with Gladbach expected to demand in the region of £12m for his services.

The 28-year-old is entering into the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), and with no extension in sight, the German club have become open to cashing him in this summer. Itakura, formerly of Manchester City, has played 80 times for Gladbach. He made 31 Bundesliga appearances this past season as Gladbach finished 10th in the table.

Capable of playing in a flat back four, three-man defence and also in midfield, the Japanese star could be a shrewd addition to Tottenham’s defensive ranks. The 28-year-old isn’t up to Romero’s world-class quality to potentially become his replacement, but he is an intelligent and hard-working player who would improve the bench strength at White Hart Lane next term.

Considering his experience, versatility, reliability, and the fact that Gladbach want just £12m from his sale, Itakura could become an effective acquisition for Frank’s club. As Tottenham have to cover a lot of games following their return to the Champions League after a three-year absence, Frank requires a big squad to compete in multiple competitions. And that would make a player like Itakura extremely valuable.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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