Leeds United secured the signing of midfielder Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf on deadline day, and it is now reported they several clubs to his signature.
The 25-year-old Japan international joins Leeds for a fee believed to be around £3.4 million. Tanaka arrives with a strong reputation from the 2.Bundesliga. He reportedly impressed Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna during pre-season, and now The Athletic are suggesting he was also on the radar of several clubs. The report suggests he was also on the radar of other European teams, including newly-promoted Italian side Como 1907. The Serie A club have made several high-profile signings this summer, including Raphael Varane, Sergi Roberto, and Andrea Belotti.
Celtic were also reportedly keen on Tanaka, having previously enjoyed success with Japanese players. Despite the Scottish side’s ability to offer Champions League football, Tanaka opted for Elland Road as the best destination for the next stage of his career.
Tanaka began his career at Kawasaki Frontale in Japan, making his J1 League debut in 2018. His breakthrough season came in 2019, when injuries to key midfielders earned him more starts. Tanaka quickly impressed, scoring six minutes into his debut and playing 31 matches across five competitions. His performances earned him the prestigious J.League Rookie of the Year Award, the first in Kawasaki Frontale’s history.
In 2021, Tanaka moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf on loan, where he adapted well to European football. The German club made his move permanent the following year, after a series of strong performances in the 2. Bundesliga and on the international stage.
On the international front, Tanaka made his senior debut for Japan in 2019 and was part of the squad for the 2020 Olympic Games. He played a key role in Japan’s 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Spain, which sent Japan to the knockout stages.
After a shaky start, Leeds have begun to look like the promotion favourites many have them down as. Two wins and two draws mean they’re unbeaten, and morale-boosting wins against Hull City and Sheffield United, both clubs from the same county, have left fans feeling much happier going into the international break.
Writer’s View
It’s a big boost for Leeds to know they can pip Celtic to a player’s signing. Como might have been a risk – they’re likely to fight it out at the bottom of Serie A, and are already 20th after just four matches. It’ll be a long season for their players, and that’s not an environment for a player wanting to push on with his career. Celtic is, though – he’d be guaranteed trophies there, but choosing Leeds shows a real understanding of the best way to progress. Leeds are a huge club and within a year, Tanaka could be a Premier League player.
Leeds had been looking to add an attacking midfielder to complete their summer transfer business, and Tanaka’s arrival is seen as bolstering the squad’s depth. The club had been working to replace the likes of Archie Gray with players capable of providing balance and goals, Tanaka appears to be astute acquisitions. Tanaka’s arrival adds further depth to Leeds’ midfield options as they look to mount a strong campaign in the Championship this season.
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