As Bayern Munich prepare for a potential summer departure of Kim Min-jae, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Ko Itakura has emerged as a leading candidate to replace him. Gladbach boss Gerardo Seoane has publicly acknowledged Itakura’s likely exit, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both showing strong interest in the Japanese international.

The future of South Korean defender Kim Min-jae remains uncertain at Bayern Munich, with BILD recently reporting that the club is open to selling the 27-year-old if a suitable offer arrives. Amid mounting speculation, Bayern are already lining up potential replacements — and Ko Itakura is at the top of their shortlist.

According to German reports and remarks from Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Gerardo Seoane, Itakura could be playing his final game for the club this weekend against Wolfsburg. The 28-year-old Japanese international has been a cornerstone in Gladbach’s back line since joining in 2022, featuring in 79 matches and scoring 7 goals in all competitions.

Speaking to BILD, Seoane openly addressed the defender’s future:

“We know that Ko has attracted interest from other clubs because of his performance over the past three to four years. If he moves to a top club and takes the next step in his career, we’ll be happy for him — even if we’ll miss him greatly.”

Bayern Munich view Itakura as a smart and Bundesliga-proven option to fill the potential void left by Kim, should the South Korean star depart amid interest from Chelsea, Juventus, and clubs in Saudi Arabia. Notably, Bayern have tracked Itakura since his time at Schalke and are said to admire his tactical intelligence and versatility.

But Bayern are not alone. Borussia Dortmund, currently in talks with Ritsu Doan over personal terms, are also monitoring Itakura closely. With Mats Hummels approaching the twilight of his career, Dortmund see the Japanese defender as a natural successor — and the potential to reunite him with Doan adds appeal.

Seoane, while resigned to losing one of his leaders, insisted that this is part of the club’s long-term evolution:

“That’s part of football and part of a club’s development. Eventually, you have to replace top players. And of course, we’re preparing for that.”

As the Bundesliga season wraps up, the futures of Kim Min-jae and Ko Itakura may soon become tightly linked. Bayern’s defensive overhaul could begin with one Asian star leaving — and another arriving.