Leeds United ready to splash Ao Tanaka profits as transfer race heats up for Rennes’ Djaoui Cisse
Leeds United already appear to be preparing for life without Ao Tanaka, and the club are clearly confident of remaining in the Premier League.
The Japan international has been continuously linked with a move away from Elland Road, and that is purely down to Daniel Farke and his decision not to play him regularly.
Of course, he has broken into the lineup in recent matches, starring in wins over West Ham and Man United, very soon after the news that the Whites are willing to let him go for as little as £8.7million.
Clubs are likely to jump at the chance to secure the 27-year-old’s signature, and just two summers after Leeds spent £3million on him, they might cash in once the summer window rolls around.
Ao Tanaka profits can already go towards major midfield upgrade
Following the win over Man United on Monday, 13 April, safety in the Premier League looks all but confirmed, with Farke’s side now six points above the dropzone with six games remaining.
Transfer links at Elland Road would certainly suggest that the hierarchy have this belief, with Leeds now joining the race for Rennes star Djaoui Cisse, alongside West Ham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
As per AfricaFoot (14 April), Bayer Leverkusen have already made a £17.4million offer for the 22-year-old central midfielder, who appears to be closing in on a senior call-up to the France national team.
| Ao Tanaka | vs | Djaoui Cisse |
| 837 | Minutes played | 954 |
| 2 | 0 | Goals | Assists | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Chances created | 12 |
| 40.1 | Accurate passes per 90 | 37.3 |
| 0.22 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.85 |
| 0.86 | Successful tackles per 90 | 1.42 |
| 0.54 | Possession won in final third per 90 | 0.66 |
Beating all other clubs to Cisse’s signature would certainly end Tanaka’s spell at Elland Road, given that he’s already struggling for minutes, but Leeds could cash in quite early and blow the competition out of the water.
Leeds United could move ahead in the race for Djaoui Cisse
It is believed that Leeds and West Ham are the most interested Premier League sides in Cisse, but unlike the Whites, safety in the division looks far more uncertain in East London.
In addition to that, Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Leeds are expected to post a club-record revenue due to the team’s success this season, which could help during the summer.
Profit from Tanaka’s sale will not fully cover a move for Cisse, but that should be no issue for those behind the scenes, with an increase in funds expected ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Cisse appears to be one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, and should Leeds be able to secure European football this season, that could be another way to attract talents to Elland Road.
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