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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 19 April 2026 19:00, UK

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Ao Tanaka could be set to stay at Leeds United beyond the summer transfer window despite concerns about his playing time, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old has been on the fringes of Daniel Farke’s squad for the majority of their Premier League campaign, leading to concerns about his future.

He has been keen to play more regular football ahead of the World Cup, although he has recently returned to the starting XI, including in the 3-0 win against Wolves.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Anton Stach’s injury should see Tanaka handed an increased role in the side.

Stach suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup win against West Ham and is not expected to return until May, potentially handing a boost to Leeds’ transfer plans.

Could Ao Tanaka push to leave Leeds United?

Football Insider revealed on 18 April that Tanaka could push to leave Leeds if he is not given assurances about his playing time as part of Farke’s team.

However, with Stach still sidelined, the Japan international has been handed a more prominent role in the side and has impressed since returning to the XI.

He scored in the FA Cup win against West Ham before playing a key role in the midfield as Leeds beat Man United 2-1, and did so again against Wolves.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Tanaka was maybe a bit unhappy about not playing regularly in Daniel Farke’s side.

“Anton Stach had nailed down a place in that Leeds midfield, but now his injury has opened the door for Tanaka to come into the side.

“He’s really taken that opportunity in the last couple of games, scored in that FA Cup win at West Ham and was outstanding against Man United as well.

“Tanaka wants to be playing regularly and the injury to Stach has given him a chance to play a key role in the run-in for Leeds and to stake a claim for a more regular place.

“Tanaka I believe as long as he’s playing he’s happy at Leeds, he’s enjoying playing in the Premier League, and between now and the end of season, I think he’ll get plenty of opportunities.”

How do Leeds feel about letting Tanaka leave?

Despite the ongoing speculation about Tanaka’s long-term future at Elland Road, the suggestions of an exit are coming largely from the players’ side.

The Japan international has been concerned about his playing time, but sources say Farke still views him as an important part of his first-team squad.

Football Insider revealed at the start of March that Leeds have no plans to let Tanaka leave next season, despite him having been on the fringes of the side.

Recent games in the absence of Stach has shown the quality he brings to Farke’s depth, as he has filled in and minimised the impact of his teammate’s injury.

Farke has been impressed by his recent performances, particularly during the 2-1 win against Man United, and believes he still has a big role to play for Leeds.