(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 10 April 2026 7:45, UK

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Ao Tanaka has just been presented with a golden opportunity at Leeds United after news of an injury to his teammate Anton Stach.

Daniel Farke revealed during his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to face Manchester United that the German midfielder is likely to be kept out of action until May by an ankle ligament problem.

That is a significant blow for the Whites, as the 27-year-old has been one of their most influential figures this term, and arguably one of their best buys after their promotion last summer.

Nevertheless, misfortune for one member of a squad can often create an opportunity elsewhere, and that is exactly what has just been presented to Tanaka.

Leeds’ transfer plans are already being drawn up for the upcoming window, and with Tanaka being increasingly linked with an exit, he may never get a better chance to prove that he is worthy of a place in next year’s squad.

Ao Tanaka exit plans on hold as Anton Stach to miss at least four games

Football Insider revealed at the end of March that Tanaka may push to leave Leeds this summer, but has been happy to put any talk surrounding his future on hold until the team have survived relegation.

The Japan international has been frustrated with the lack of gametime that he has received in the Premier League this term, despite some impressive performances in the domestic cup competitions.

Farke has only been able to hand seven starts to the man who played a crucial role in his team’s promotion from the Championship last season, and that has been a major concern for the Leeds fans.

However, Tanaka is surely now the next cab off the rank with Stach unavailable, and he is set to receive a prolonged chance to prove to the manager that he can be effective in the top flight.

Stach is set to miss the next four games at a minimum, which includes the all-important FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea.

Tanaka could effectively be playing for his future during that four-game audition, and if so, it is truly now or never for him to save his career with the Whites.

He has caught the eye with his displays during his team’s FA Cup run, but he must now show his capabilities at the very top level if he wants the door to open for a bigger role next term.

Leeds set staggering Ao Tanaka asking price

Leeds are not prepared to stand in the way of Tanaka departing at the moment, and they have already set their valuation for clubs to seal a deal for him this summer.

The Whites signed the midfielder for just shy of £3million from Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2024, and are now prepared to sell him for potentially as little as £8.7m this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.

That is a staggeringly low price for a player of his quality, especially when it is noted by the journalist that Tanaka is keen to move elsewhere in the Premier League.

Farke may regret the fact that he has been unable to find a more significant role for Tanaka within his plans this season, and those regrets would surely grow even bigger if he left for such a small fee this summer and went on to perform well for a rival.