Bayern's 'Japanese Double Plan' in preparation for Kim Min-jae's transfer... Are you aiming for Itakura's nose?
Bayern's 'Japanese Double Plan' in preparation for Kim Min-jae's transfer... Are you aiming for Itakura's nose?
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Following Bayern Munich's acquisition of Hiroki Ito, which said Kim Min-jae could be sold, another Japanese defender, Itakura Ko (28, Borussia Mönchengladbach), was also reported in Germany.
Bayern Munich is considering recruiting Japanese national defender Itakura Ko, as it is pushing for a full-fledged reorganization of its defense this summer. This is a move in preparation for the possibility of Kim Min-jae's transfer, and the so-called "Japanese Double Plan" is in operation to bring in two defenders from the Japanese national team at the same time, following bringing in left center back Hiroki Ito, who can cover Kim Min-jae's place last year.
German media RP Online reported, "Itakura is likely to leave Mönchengladbach in the summer transfer market, and transfers to other clubs in the Bundesliga are also open." Mönchengladbach's general manager Ronald Firkus said, "There will be no large-scale sale of the team, but the summer plan can be materialized only when the transfer is premised," hinting at the possibility of some of the main players leaving.
In particular, Itakura has no choice but to generate profits through transfers this summer amid the expiration of its contract in the summer of 2026.
Interest in Itakura is hot both at home and abroad in Germany. High-ranking clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are competing, and other European leagues are also showing interest. Bayern is intensively monitoring Itakura to cope with the possibility of Kim Min-jae's transfer.
Kim Min-jae's position in Munich has been shaken by frequent mistakes recently, and according to French media Foot Mercato and German broadcaster Sky Sports, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Juventus are reportedly seeking to recruit him.
Bayern invested 50 million euros when Kim Min-jae was recruited, but it is evaluated that it has not established itself as the team's defensive leader. As a result, the club is moving to completely overhaul its unstable defensive line through the formation of a new defense team. They say they will approve the transfer if the investment can be recovered.
Itakura has scored two goals and one assist in 27 matches in the 2024-2025 Bundesliga. Despite injury issues, he displayed stable defense capabilities. He is recognized for his ability in many areas, including aerial ball competition, tackle, and pass deployment, and played a key role in Mönchengladbach's defense. In particular, he is considered to have excellent rear build-up ability.
Of course, Bayern's most preferred defender is Bournemouth's Spanish center back Deanne Hasen. Hasen, a key player in the Bournemouth sensation, transferred to Bournemouth without settling for Juventus, but he also joined the Spanish national team through his performance in the 2024-2025 season.
Hasen has a buyout amount clause of 60 million euros in its current contract, which is why several teams are rushing in. All Premier League championship teams, including Liverpool, are rushing in, and it is said that Real Madrid, a prestigious Spanish club, is also considered a key target.
Bayern plans to use the proceeds from the sale of Kim Min-jae to fund its recruitment of Hasen. However, if it is not feasible, it could seek other large-sized properties after recruiting Itakura as an alternative. Hiroki Ito lost stability after suffering from metatarsal bone injury after joining the team. Itakura is not a key resource that can coolly replace Kim Min-jae. 온라인카지노
Bayern's contract renewal negotiations with Upamecano, whose contract ends in the summer of 2026, are not smooth, so there is a possibility that both Kim Min-jae and Upamecano will leave. Accordingly, it is considering a number of centerback resources, including the recruitment of Hasen, and several players with experience in the Bundesliga are also on the list.