Liverpool and Tottenham are now monitoring Ko Itakura – a player Manchester City sold in July 2022.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the situation involving Ko Itakura? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City could meet Ko Itakura once again
Well, the Citizens sold the Japan international to Borussia Mönchengladbach back in July 2022 for just £5m.
Manchester City signed Itakura from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2019 for just £1m before immediately sending the defender on loan to FC Groningen and then Schalke 04.
The 26-year-old never actually made a single appearance for Manchester City, not even in the youth ranks.
Now – according to Romano – Itakura could be set to challenge Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with either Liverpool or Tottenham, as Jürgen Klopp and Ange Postecoglou show interest.
The reliable Italian journalist claims that top clubs are monitoring the Yokohama-born defender, and Liverpool have sent scouts to watch him on several occasions.
Itakura has made seven appearances in the Bundesliga so far this season, scoring two goals.
Liverpool and Tottenham interest speaks volumes
While some might call it a mistake by Manchester City to sell Itakura given the interest from Liverpool and Tottenham, we actually think it reflects well on the Citizens.
Txiki Begiristain found a top prospect for just £1m – and if Pep Guardiola did not already boast such an embarrassment of riches, things may have worked out differently for the Japanese star.
Nevertheless, the interest from Klopp and Postecoglou shows that the City Football Group’s recruitment methods work well, and perhaps the only lesson to be learned from this is the value of keeping these gems out on loan for a bit longer, rather than sanctioning permanent exits where possible.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester City could soon meet Itakura again.
