Official | Borussia Mönchengladbach sell Oscar Fraulo (22) to Derby Country, pick up defender Kota Takai (21) on loan from Tottenham | OneFootball

Borussia Mönchengladbach have confirmed two January transactions with English clubs simultaneously. As previously reported upon by Get German Football News, Danish midfielder Oscar Fraulo is headed to Derby County on a permanent basis. The Bundesliga outfit has also picked up some much-needed help for its central defensive corps by signing 21-year-old centre-back Kota Takai on loan from Tottenham. 

A new centre-back constituted a top priority for Gladbach entering the current January transfer window. Despite his young age, Takai has already earned four caps for the Samurai seniors. Tottenham purchased Takai from Kawasaki Frontale this past summer, but have not had the chance to grant the youngster an appearance yet. 

The amount of money Gladbach have pocketed for Fraulo remains unclear at this juncture, but Transfermarkt lists the Dane as a €400,000 transfer. This amounts to something of a pittance as Fraulo does still maintain an estimated €3m market value. Takai is considered a €5m-valued player. A purchase option is not included in Takai’s loan arrangement. 

Words of Fraud’s departure

“It is highly unlikely that he would have significantly improved his playing time in the second half of the season due to the highly competitive situation in midfield,” BMG sporting director Rouven Schröder noted in a club statement. “In such cases, you sometimes have to make the decision to go your separate ways.”

Word’s on Takai’s arrival

“Kota is a tall and physically strong centre-back who also possesses good pace,” Schröder said of the new acquisition who has already been assigned a tricot number. “He has what it takes to help us out immediately. We’re very pleased to welcome our new No. 14.“

GGFN | Peter Weis