Ko Itakura Emerges as Highest-Paid Player in Dutch League

Japan defender Ko Itakura has emerged as the highest-paid player in the Eredivisie. Itakura's name was included alongside global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe in the list of top earners for the 2026-2027 season in major leagues, as revealed by the global soccer outlet 'Football Effect'. He has become the highest earner in the Eredivisie, a league not part of Europe's top five but known for its high level of competitiveness.

Itakura is estimated to receive an annual salary of 3.53 million euros (approximately 5.8 billion won) at Dutch powerhouse Ajax. The media outlet explained, "The previously known figure of 3.9 million euros has been revised in recent salary estimates, and is currently estimated at approximately 3.53 million euros. Nevertheless, he remains one of the highest earners in the Eredivisie and is a player who requires significant investment from Ajax."

The outlet evaluated, "Itakura provides elements that Ajax frequently needed alongside their young youth players," citing "experience, physical maturity, and the ability to perform various defensive roles at a high level."

'Football Effect' stated, "Itakura's contract runs until 2029, allowing the club to benefit from his experience for the next few seasons." Itakura, who has grown by plying his trade in Europe since joining Manchester City in 2019, is tied to Ajax until 2029, and his experience is projected to be a continuous asset to the club in the coming seasons.