Celtic are considering a move for Manchester City centre-back Ko Itakura as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [Daily Record].
The Lowdown: Celtic get set for 2021/22
Moving towards 2021-22, new manager Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to acquire the quality of player necessary to put the Hoops back on a stable footing, domestically and in Europe.
Thus far, Celtic have completed two transfer signings this summer in the form of former Scunthorpe United striker Joey Dawson and ex-Sheffield Wednesday teenager Liam Shaw.
However, the Bhoys now could be poised to complete their first senior signing under Postecoglou following recent reports.
The Latest: Celts considering move for Itakura
Celtic are said to be considering a move for Itakura, who spent 2020/21 on loan at Eredivisie side FC Groningen [Daily Record]. He is said to be high up on a list of targets on which the Hoops recruitment team is currently working.
Postecoglou possesses a familiarity with the Japan international due to his own time spent in the country with Yokohama F Marinos and their connections with the City Football Group [Daily Record].
The Verdict: Itakura would be a great addition
Standing at 1.86m (6 foot 1), Itakura would make an excellent addition to the Celtic roster for next season. In 2020/21, he was ever present during his loan spell in the Netherlands, making 36 appearances and registering two goal contributions, with one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt].
Perhaps most excitingly for Celtic supporters is his range of qualities as a footballer. Primarily a defender, the Yokohama native has a keen eye for bringing the ball out of defence and can also operate as a holding midfielder.
Demonstrating his defensive prowess, he made a commendable 4.2 clearances per game last season, the second-best total in the FC Groningen squad [WhoScored].
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With Postecoglou needing players to come in and make an immediate impact in 2021/22, Itakura is most certainly a signing that Celtic should be looking to pursue heavily.
In other news, this Celtic loanee is linked with a further stint away from Parkhead.