Confusion at Ajax: Ko Itakura Resigns After Just One Month Under Contract

A Shocking Development in Amsterdam

Ajax finds itself in the midst of a storm of confusion and disbelief after Japanese international defender Ko Itakura has reportedly decided to resign from his contract at the club—barely one month after signing his deal. The unexpected departure has stunned both fans and management, especially as the center-back was hailed as a key part of Ajax’s rebuilding project.

Background: A Summer of High Hopes

When Ajax secured the services of Ko Itakura earlier this summer, the move was considered a coup. The 27-year-old had already made a name for himself in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach and had international experience with the Japanese national team, where he shone during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ajax fans believed his presence would add much-needed stability to the defense, which had been criticized heavily during last season’s turbulent campaign.

The signing was also symbolic: Itakura became the first Japanese player to officially represent Ajax, opening doors for greater Asian influence in the Eredivisie. Merchandising sales spiked, and excitement was building around both his defensive qualities and his potential marketing value for the club.

The Shock Resignation

However, barely a month after putting pen to paper, Itakura’s sudden resignation has thrown the club into chaos. Sources close to Ajax suggest that personal reasons may have played a role, though neither the club nor the player has officially confirmed the underlying cause.

Some insiders point to disagreements with the coaching staff over tactical roles. Others mention homesickness and family matters back in Japan. Another theory, still unconfirmed, revolves around Itakura’s dissatisfaction with Ajax’s sporting direction—especially after a summer that saw multiple managerial reshuffles and inconsistent transfer strategies.

Ajax’s Official Statement

Ajax released a short and carefully worded statement late Monday evening:

“Ajax confirms that Ko Itakura has decided to terminate his contract with immediate effect. While this decision comes as a surprise to the club, we respect the player’s wishes and will work towards a resolution in accordance with contractual obligations. We thank Ko for his short time with us and wish him the best for the future.”

The statement, however, has left more questions than answers.

Fan Reactions: From Disbelief to Anger

Unsurprisingly, fans have reacted with a mix of shock, frustration, and disappointment. Social media platforms were flooded with messages:

• “This is embarrassing for the club. How can a new signing leave after only one month?” wrote one fan on X.
• “Ajax is losing its identity. First chaos in management, now this. Something is deeply wrong,” another added.
• Some Japanese supporters also expressed sadness, stating they had looked forward to following Ajax more closely with Itakura in the squad.

Financial and Sporting Implications

The resignation leaves Ajax in a precarious position. The club had invested not only financially in acquiring Itakura, but also in promoting him as part of the new era. Now, Ajax must decide whether to return to the transfer market for a replacement or rely on existing players to fill the defensive gap.

From a financial standpoint, Ajax may seek to minimize losses through legal negotiations, as Itakura’s sudden exit could trigger compensation clauses. However, the reputational damage could be even greater, painting the club as unstable in the eyes of potential future signings.

What’s Next for Itakura?

As for Ko Itakura himself, his future remains uncertain. Some speculate that he may return to Japan for family reasons, while others suggest he could pursue a quick move back to the Bundesliga, where he was highly respected. A return to Borussia Mönchengladbach has not been ruled out.

Conclusion: Another Crisis at Ajax

For Ajax, this is yet another chapter in a period of turmoil marked by instability in leadership, transfer mismanagement, and declining performance on the pitch. What was meant to be a summer of rebuilding has now turned into a crisis of confidence.

Whether this resignation was driven by personal issues, professional disagreements, or deeper problems within the Ajax structure, one thing is clear: the club faces an urgent need to restore stability before the season spirals out of control.