Ajax Send Japan International Back to Bundesliga as €15m Camara Deal Nears Completion

• Ajax announced that Ko Itakura had completed a permanent move to Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Itakura signed a contract with Gladbach until 2030 after passing his medical in Germany
• Abdoulaye Camara is close to joining Ajax from Udinese on a loan deal with a virtually mandatory €15m buy-out clause

Ajax confirm Itakura departure to Borussia Mönchengladbach

Ajax have confirmed that Ko Itakura has left the club permanently to rejoin Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Amsterdam side announced the agreement on Thursday, with the Japanese defender moving back to Germany despite having been under contract at Ajax until 2029.

“Ajax have thanked Itakura for his contribution in Amsterdam and wished him every success in Germany,” the press release about the Japanese player reads. Itakura had already spent three seasons at Gladbach before his move to Amsterdam.

Ajax bought Itakura from Gladbach in 2025 for more than €10 million. During his time with the first team in Amsterdam, he made 26 appearances. His exit had been expected for some time, as it had become clear that he was no longer part of the club’s plans and was available to leave.

Ajax, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Ko Itakura have reached an agreement on the defender's transfer to the club where he spent three years before joining Ajax. The Japan international was under contract with Ajax until June 30, 2029.

All the best, Ko! ♥️

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 20, 2026

Reported sale figures differ

Earlier this week, Florian Plettenberg of Sky Deutschland reported that Ajax would retain €3.5 million from Itakura’s sale. De Telegraaf later reported that the amount was €5 million.

Once his medical in Germany had been completed without any problems, Itakura signed a deal with Borussia Mönchengladbach running until mid-2030.

“I am very happy to be back at Borussia. I missed the club enormously and when the offer came, I decided to return. It feels like coming home. I am looking forward to playing for Borussia again and playing at home in front of our fans,” an elated Itakura told Gladbach’s website.

France U19 captain nearing Ajax move from Udinese

While Itakura’s departure has been confirmed, Ajax are also reportedly close to adding Abdoulaye Camara from Udinese. The 17-year-old is on the verge of signing for the Amsterdam club.

An agreement has been reached between Udinese and Ajax over a loan move that includes a virtually mandatory buy-out clause. That clause will become automatic under certain conditions and is worth €15m. Camara has been given permission to travel to the Netherlands for his medical, and he will sign his contract straight away. If the buy-out clause is exercised, the agreement will run until 2031.

Camara’s development and international role

Camara came through the youth system at Montpellier before joining Udinese last summer in a €1.2m transfer. The Conakry-born player made just one Serie A appearance during the 2025-26 season, while also training regularly with Udinese’s first-team squad.

He made notable progress with Udinese’s Primavera side, where he served as captain. Camara also captains the France Under-19s, for whom he has made three appearances. His involvement with France began at Under-16 level.