Tottenham Hotspurâs defensive woes have been a cause for concern this season, with injuries decimating their backline.
Manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself scrambling for reinforcements, and one name has resurfaced on the clubâs radarâKo Itakura.
The Japanese defender, currently playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, is a potential target for Tottenham as they look to strengthen their defence in the January transfer window.
Tottenham's hopes of securing Champions League football this season are looking increasingly slim, with key injuries to defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies.
The clubâs most recent blow came when Radu Dragusin, signed in the summer to add depth, suffered an ankle injury during their Boxing Day match.
Tottenham reconsiders Ko Itakura
With limited options at the heart of defence, Postecoglou and Tottenhamâs technical director, Johan Lange, are already considering how best to strengthen the squad ahead of the second half of the season.
According to GIVEMESPORT, one of the names on Tottenham's list is Ko Itakura, a player they had previously monitored in 2023.
The 27-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, and this has presented Tottenham with a potential opportunity to negotiate a deal.
While not the clubâs top target at the moment, sources suggest that Tottenham are considering a formal approach once the January transfer window opens.
Itakura combines pace and athleticism, making defending seem effortless. Although primarily right-footed, he is adept with both feet and has frequently played as a left-sided centre-back.
His playing style is reminiscent of Jan Vertonghen, the former Tottenham defender now at Benfica.
His ability to play out from the back and fit into Postecoglou's high-pressing system makes him an attractive option for Tottenham.
How has Ko Itakura performed this season?
He currently earns £30,000 per week at Monchengladbach, and Spurs could test the waters with a move that takes advantage of the defenderâs contract situation.
However, Tottenhamâs pursuit of Itakura will not be without competition. Serie A giants Napoli and Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven have also shown interest in the Japanese international.
Here are Itakura's statistics for the 2024/25 season:
* Data provided by Sofascore.
The growing competition reflects the defenderâs rising stock, and securing his signature could prove challenging for Tottenham.
Whether Spurs can fend off this competition and land Itakura remains to be seen, but with their defensive crisis deepening, the club's January plans could hinge on bringing in reinforcements like the Monchengladbach star.