Manchester City defender Ko Itakura is a ‘candidate’ for German side Hoffenheim as they look to improve their defence this summer.
That’s according to Kicker, who say the 25-year-old is one of the options that the Bundesliga club are looking at.
Itakura is set to return to Manchester City this summer from a loan deal at Schalke, where he established himself as a key player and helped them to return to the Bundesliga.
They had an option to make his move a permanent one for €5m but decided not to take up that option because of their current financial situation.
That’s left Itakura looking for a new club this summer, with him unlikely to be a part of Manchester City’s long-term plans.
Several reports have made it clear that he has suitors in the Bundesliga after his performances in Germany last year, and Kicker now name Hoffenheim as one of them.
They’re ‘in search for a reinforcement’ for the centre of their defence, and Itakura’s ability to play in defence and as a six is seen as a big plus point.
He’s ‘looking for a new challenge’ and will be sold this summer, given his contract with Manchester City runs until 2023.
There’s no mention of what price City would want or what Hoffenheim are willing to spend, but it’s likely to be around the €5m figure that they had agreed with Schalke.
