15 Apr 2022 12:17:58
Hi All

Is there any truth in rumour we are interested in the Japanese centre back (Itakura) who plays for Schalke?

{Ed007's Note - Celtic were really keen on bringing in Itakura on loan from Man City last summer but the player chose the Bundesliga 2nd Division side. Schalke look like they will be promoted and they apparently have an option to buy Itakura for €4 million.}

1.) 15 Apr 2022
15 Apr 2022 13:07:21
Top of Bundesliga 2 is quite close with 4/ 5 teams fighting out for promotion.
Perhaps if Schalke don't get promotion then the £4m price tag could be within our price range.
I rate him.

{Ed007's Note - Itakura has previously said he would like to stay at Schalke but if they don't get promoted the €4 million deal is off the table and Man City can raise the price or the player will return to City.
Personally for me, if he turned us down to play in the German 2nd division we should walk away from any interest we might have.}

2.) 15 Apr 2022
15 Apr 2022 15:24:48
Agree with that Ed. I was very keen on him in the summer but Ange has been Crystal clear he's only interested in players who are fully committed. I would like a CB to be brought in though.

{Ed007's Note - ??

3.) 15 Apr 2022
15 Apr 2022 18:10:48
Think we need to be wary of adding more Japanese players. If they all were good enough for international call up, we could lose almost half a team with increasing regularity. Specially with all these pointless friendlies.