‘Leeds United prepare for Ao Tanaka exit amid fairytale transfer update’
Ao Tanaka has been an incredible addition to Daniel Farke’s squad but Leeds United may already have to be planning for life after the midfielder.
Leeds only spent £3.4million on bringing the Japanese international to Elland Road last summer, having been a standout performer for Fortuna Dusseldorf in the second tier of German football.
That price tag now looks to be an absolute bargain, and with eight international caps to his name as well, it is no surprise to see Tanaka already being tipped for a big-money move elsewhere.
Starting 28 of Leeds’ 36 Championship matches this season, beating the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell or Ilia Gruev for a spot in midfield, the 26-year-old has quickly become a key figure at Elland Road.
Farke will be desperate to win Leeds promotion back to the Premier League, and if the team fail for a second consecutive season, another club might be getting a bargain deal with Tanaka.
Daniel Farke must deliver Premier League promotion to Elland Road
There was fury amongst the fanbase when Archie Gray was sold to Tottenham for just £40million last summer, but with Leeds battling PSR constrictions, there was little that could be done.
While PSR no longer seems to be an issue for the Whites, the club will want to avoid repeats of Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham and Georginio Rutter’s move to Brighton this summer.
Of course, top Premier League teams will still want to poach some of Leeds’ best players even if they are to win promotion back to the top tier of English football, but a stronger Whites’ financial position takes leverage away that could otherwise be used against them.
Either way, Farke’s side could now be planning for the inevitable stream of bids coming in for Tanaka once the transfer window opens with a transfer of their own.
Kalvin Phillips to Leeds United still on the cards as Premier League plans take shape
According to The Sun [11 March], Kalvin Phillips could be set for a fairytale return to Leeds as plans emerge for life in the Premier League.
While promotion is not guaranteed, with Sheffield United and Burnley making up the three-horse race, Farke’s experience with Norwich City gives them a handy boost in the run-in this season.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Years at senior level |
| Kalvin Phillips | 234 | 14 | 13 | 2014-2022 |
Phillips’s career has taken a serious nosedive since his £45million move to Man City in 2022, being sent on loan to West Ham and now Ipswich Town, but he is still a much-loved figure at Elland Road.
He made 234 appearances for his boyhood club before an emotional exit, and while it might cost a lot to bring him back to West Yorkshire, it would be difficult to turn down the option if a Tanaka replacement was needed.