Currently at Ajax: ex-Bundesliga star on HSV shortlist! | OneFootball

A report from England got the hearts of many HSV fans racing on Tuesday. According to it, there is a good chance of Luka Vuskovic returning on loan.

The only problem is that the report by The Independent does not seem to be confirmed. Almost all German sources, as well as the usually very well-informed sports magazine The Athletic, denied the rumors. So it is almost certain that HSV will need a replacement this summer for their departing defensive leader.

As the Mopo reports, citing the portal Absolut Fußball, the name Ko Itakura is also being considered. The Japan international is currently under contract with AFC Ajax and is said to be interested in a return to the Bundesliga.

Itakura is certainly no stranger in Germany. After moving from Japan to Europe, the centre-back first gained experience in Groningen before ending up at Borussia Mönchengladbach via FC Schalke. There, the 29-year-old developed into a key player in Germany’s top flight. Last summer, he moved to Ajax for more than ten million euros.

In Amsterdam, Itakura made 26 competitive appearances last season across the league, cup, and Champions League. Nevertheless, the defender is reportedly not completely satisfied with his situation. According to Absolut Fußball, several Bundesliga clubs are monitoring his status.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV likely have no chance with Itakura

According to Mopo, Itakura is also “on the list of candidates” at HSV. From a sporting perspective, that would be understandable: the experienced player brings international experience and has proven Bundesliga quality at a high level.

However, a transfer currently seems difficult to pull off. Itakura is still under a long-term contract in Amsterdam until 2029. After the high transfer fee paid last year, Ajax are likely to demand a considerable sum. On top of that would be wages that currently seem unlikely to fit within HSV’s financial framework. So someone else will have to step into Vuskovic’s shoes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.