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.
It resulted in some great photos of our new number four.
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.
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.
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.