Ko Itakura has signed for Borussia Monchengladbach from Manchester City after weeks of speculation.

The Japanese defender has been heavily linked with Celtic for the past 12 months. After FC Schalke ruled themselves out of signing the defender on a permanent deal – the rumours about a Celtic move ramped up.

On Friday, Football Scotland reported the Scottish Champions decided against a move for the player. He’s now popped up back in Germany and signed a permanent deal with Celtic’s former Euro foes.

Borussia have signed Japan international Ko Itakura from English champions @ManCity. The 25-year-old defender has penned a contract with the Foals until 30th June 2026 ✍️

🔗 https://t.co/zQe37xIj06#DieFohlen pic.twitter.com/rZoPy4niBk

— Gladbach (@borussia_en) July 2, 2022

Ko Itakura Celtic Gossip

A good source told CeltsAreHere back in May the club were asked to be kept up to date with Ko’s availability. However, nothing really came from it.

The bhoys will likely sign another defender in this window if they manage to move on Christopher Jullien.

The Frenchman wants first team football and Ange Postecoglou believes he has better options than the 29-year-old.

At least the Ko Itakura rumours can cease for now. The link between Celtic, the City group and having a contingent of Japanese players at the club were all cited as reasons for the bhoys to go for the player. But not all players we look at will be signed, Ko won’t be the last.