When Schalke 04 and Manchester City completed the loan move of Ko Itakura at the start of the season, it was agreed that the German side would have the chance to make the transfer permanent.
For that to happen, first they’d need to get promoted to the first division, and then they’d have the chance of triggering the buying option for €4.5m.
Now even though Schalke are currently on top of the Bundesliga 2 table and Itakura is doing pretty well for them, the purchase of the Manchester City player is still not a certainty at the club.
German outlet Waz today features quotes from director Rouven Schröder, who pointed out their old interest in the player and covered the scenario for this move.
“Ko had been on our scouting radar for a few years. With Man City signing him in 2019, with the loan to Groningen, he was even more present than before. We wanted to sign him before the Olympics, which didn’t work out then,” said Schröder.
“Ko showed on the big stage what great potential he has, and we have adjusted him again through personal talks. We were extremely happy that we were finally able to win him for Schalke 04 in what was a challenging transfer summer for us.”
“No matter whether he plays in central defence or on the six, he can give the team an incredible amount. Both in terms of attitude and footballing ability.
“The focus is on the next five games. After that, we will sit down and see what is possible.”
Manchester City bought Itakura in a move from Kawasaki Frontale back in 2019. However, he never had the chance to make his debut for the Premier League side, as he was first loaned to Gronigen and now to Schalke, having recently admitted he hasn’t even spoken to Pep Guardiola.
