Ko Itakura was hoping to turn his loan deal at Schalke 04 permanent this summer, but BILD (h/t Sport Witness) say the 25-year-old may be forced to return to Manchester City as Schalke can’t afford his release clause.
Die Königsblauen signed Itakura on a season-long loan last summer and had the option to turn the move permanent for €5.9m (£5m). The Japanese international has been a regular under Dimitrios Grammozis and successor Mike Büskens, so he was expected to sign for good at the end of the season.
But despite Schalke sealing promotion back to the Bundesliga, it doesn’t appear they have sufficient funds to keep Itakura at the Veltins-Arena. The 25-year-old made 31 2.Bundesliga appearances, scoring four goals.
He doesn’t have a future at Man City as he’s yet to make an appearance since joining in 2019, but Itakura might have to return to the Etihad if Schalke don’t pay up.
There’s little chance Itakura could dethrone Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake next season, so City may be open to a sale or loan move away this summer.
A departure would suit the Japanese international, as it allows him playing time elsewhere to boost his development.
In other news, Man City won’t sign ‘elegant’ 25 y/o this summer, Pep doesn’t need centre-back