Ajax signs Ko Itakura

Itakura Contract 1920
Itakura Contract 1920

Ajax, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Ko Itakura have reached an agreement on the transfer of the defender to Ajax. The 28-year-old Japanese international has signed a four-year contract, running until June 30, 2029. The agreement includes an option for another year. In Germany, his contract had been due to run until June 30, 2026.

Date: 08.08.2025

Photographer: AFC Ajax

  • #Itakura

Itakura was born on January 27, 1997, in Yokohama, Japan. In his home country, he progressed through the youth academy of Kawasaki Frontale, where he also made his professional debut. He also played for Vegalta Sendai before signing for Manchester City in 2019. The Premier League club subsequently loaned Itakura to FC Groningen and Schalke 04. In the summer of 2022, he made the move to Borussia Mönchengladbach, the club for which he has been active for the past three seasons.

  • Itakura Contract 1
  • Itakura Contract 3
  • Itakura Contract 5
  • Itakura Contract 2
  • Itakura Contract 4
  • Itakura Contract 6

Alex Kroes: "We're delighted that Ko has signed his contract with Ajax. It's a deal we've worked on carefully for some time. He becomes the first Japanese player in our club’s history, which is a special milestone. Ko brings the experience and stability we need in our backline. He's strong in duels, comfortable on the ball, and tactically intelligent. With his mentality and leadership, he can also play an important role in guiding the team. We’re looking forward to seeing him in the Ajax shirt."

Related articles

Itakura Contract 1920 5

Meet Ajax's first Japanese player: Ko Itakura

Since Friday, Ko Itakura can officially call himself an Ajax player. This makes him the first-ever Japanese player in Amsterdam's service, returning as a player to the league in which he has already played before. Who is our new number four? Read it here.

  • #Itakura
Interview Still

Itakura: 'My style suits Ajax well'

Ko Itakura is delighted to become the first Japanese Ajax player. "Everyone in Japan knows Ajax. I hope to play well here and make people proud," said the defender, who believes he will fit right in.

  • #Itakura
ITA BTS

This is Itakura's introduction to Ajax

With a broad smile, brand-new Ajax player Ko Itakura enjoyed his first hours as a member of the Amsterdam-based team. We followed him from his arrival at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, to his first acquaintance with the stadium and the shirt, his medical examination, and the signing of his contract. Welcome to Amsterdam, Ko Itakura.

  • #Itakura