Soccer Sergeant Itakura joins Ajax for the first time in history → 4 years contract for 19 billion...The only Korean is Seok Hyunjun

Aug 09, 2025

Soccer Sergeant Itakura joins Ajax for the first time in history → 4 years contract for 19 billion...The only Korean is Seok Hyunjun
출처=아약스



Soccer Sergeant Itakura joins Ajax for the first time in history → 4 years contract for 19 billion...The only Korean is Seok Hyunjun
출처=아약스
Itakura Ko (28), the leading defender of the Japanese national soccer team, became the first Japanese player to join Ajax, the Netherlands' most prestigious club.

Ajax officially announced on the 9th (Korea time) that it signed a four-year contract (one-year option) with center back Itakura, who played in Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany, until 2029.

Ajax has been wearing Ajax jerseys by players from various countries in their 125-year history. Most of them were Dutch nationals, but more than 50 players from other countries, including South America and Afkira, played for Ajax. Asia is an unknown territory. Itakura, who played 37 A matches for Japan, gave meaning to the first Japanese player to join the Ajax first team.




He then explained that `Ajax has rarely recruited Asian players until now' Seok Hyun-jun, who played in the 2010-2011 season, is the only Korean player who has played for Ajax so far.' The club also reported that it has formed a strategic alliance with Japanese J-League club Gamba Osaka since March 2024 to find promising Japanese soccer players.

Soccer Sergeant Itakura joins Ajax for the first time in history → 4 years contract for 19 billion...The only Korean is Seok Hyunjun
Source=Itakurako SNS Capture
Soccer Sergeant Itakura joins Ajax for the first time in history → 4 years contract for 19 billion...The only Korean is Seok Hyunjun
출처=아약스 SNS
According to local media, Ajax paid a maximum transfer fee of 12 million euros (about 19.4 billion won, including options) and recruited Itakura. The basic transfer fee was 8 million euros (about 13 billion won), but it jumped to 10 million euros (about 16 billion won) after Mönchengladbach's demand for an increase. Itakura said "I'm the perfect fit for Ajax. Everyone in Japan knows about Ajax. I want to show a good performance at Ajax and make the people proud," he said.

Ajax general manager Alex Cross said "We are very happy to sign the contract with Itakura. It is a contract that has been carefully conducted for a long time. He became the first Japanese player in our club's history, a special milestone. Itakura will provide the necessary experience and stability for our defense. It will play an important role in leading the team through mentality and leadership."




Itakura made his professional debut with Jung Sung-ryong's team Kawasaki Frontale and moved to Manchester City in 2019, drawing attention. Itakura, who played on loan at Groningen in the Netherlands for two consecutive seasons, transferred to Mönchengladbach in 2022 after Schalke and served as the main defense for three years. In 2024-2025 season, he played 32 matches (four goals) in the Bundesliga.

Itakura will play at Ajax with No. 4. Playing in Feyenoord 'Korean Sign'Hwang In-beom 'Club Korea-Japan' was scheduled. Ajax, who finished second in the Eredivisie in the 2024-2025 season, appointed former Liverpool coach Jon Hatinga as the new head coach. He will play the opening game of the new season against Telstar at home on the 10th.






This article was translated by Naver AI translator.