Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Thu 9 April 2026 9:30, UK

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Daniel Farke only has himself to blame as Ao Tanaka pushes for an exit from Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Japan international was one of Leeds’ most standout players during their Championship title-winning campaign last season, notching five goals and two assists in 43 appearances.

However, with Anton Stach being signed to partner Ethan Ampadu in midfield, and Sean Longstaff joining Ilia Gruev as reinforcements off the bench, Tanaka’s game time has been extremely limited.

Farke is likely to overhaul the squad once the 2025-26 campaign comes to an end, but part of that rebuild might already see one of his most talented midfielders push for an exit.

Ao Tanaka has been criminally underutilised at Leeds United

Tanaka proved exactly what he can bring to the team on Sunday, 5 April, scoring in Leeds’ eventual FA Cup quarter-final win over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

It should have sent a message to the manager, and even if Farke decides to give him more minutes in the final games of the season, the damage already seems to be done, just two years after his £3.4million arrival.

According to Florian Plettenberg (8 April), the midfield gem is open to leaving Elland Road this summer, leaning towards a move across the division, with the club open to selling him for as little as £8.7million.

That would be very little profit for the 27-year-old, especially when his wages are taken into consideration, and that should be seen as one of the manager’s great failures since taking over in 2023.

Daniel Farke ready for rebuild with record money boost

While the sale of Tanaka would be deeply disappointing, the supporters won’t get too caught up in what could have been if the club were to undergo a serious rebuild during the summer months.

And Football Insider understands that Leeds are set to smash their club-record revenue, mainly thanks to £70million in prize money and broadcast revenue.

The 49ers could reinvest that straight into the current squad, and fans will be hoping for exactly that after what started as a successful season before dropping a bit too close to the relegation zone.

Of course, the Whites remain just three points above the dropzone, with seven matches left, but games against Wolves, Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham should all help seal safety.