Itakura went on loan to the German side in the beginning of the season and as part of the deal, Schalke have the option to make his stay permanent.
The centre-back has been instrumental in Schalke’s bid to earn promotion to the German top-flight and has not missed a single game for them since his switch.
Itakura himself has admitted that he would like to continue with the German side next season but they are some obstacles for the permanent switch to happen.
The current 2. Bundesliga side would have to ensure promotion to the top flight to have a chance of securing his permanent stay, though they are on the way to doing that, being first in the table.
Schalke will have room to take advantage of their purchase option only until 16th June, according to German magazine Sport Bild.
The sporting director of the German side, Rouven Schroder, has revealed that his club will sit down with Manchester City to discuss the Japanese star’s permanent signing after the season is over.
The purchase option for the player is worth €4.5m and the normal season for the 2. Bundesliga is over on 15th May, though Schalke could face a playoff, which gives them just about a month’s time to trigger the clause.
