Leeds should accept Ao Tanaka offer as 'hangover' evident

Ao Tanaka managed to turn his fortunes around in the secon -half of the 2025-26 campaign at Leeds United.

His opening goal against West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-final, a game in which Daniel Farke's side won on penalties, certainly sparked a comeback.

Before that, the Japan international's future had been a huge talking point at Elland Road, but after nine straight starts, those questions disappeared.

Sadly for the 27-year-old, his future is once again a talking point, despite featuring during the Whites' pre-season tour, and even grabbing an assist.

A lot can change in the space of a few weeks, especially ahead of a new season, with many players recovering from a World Cup campaign.

It even provides chances for someone like Sean Longstaff to prove themselves again, having only started 10 Premier League games last term.

Ao Tanaka sparks concern during pre-season

In fact, the former Newcastle United midfielder has been one of the standout performers of pre-season, but the same cannot be said for Tanaka.

Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson has ranked his pre-season displays as a 6/10, suggesting that he could be experiencing a "World Cup hangover".

Many will hope this is the case. When he's at his very best, he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in the Premier League, let alone at Elland Road.

With two starts and a substitute appearance for Japan over the summer, it is unclear whether it's a hangover or if his form has simply fallen off a cliff.

It would not be the first time that Tanaka has been strongly linked with an exit. But this time, it might be the right decision to cash in.

Who else could leave Leeds United this summer?

The Whites have done some incredible business so far - Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford.

And several outgoings have helped to clear the squad. Isaac Schmidt and Max Wober were much-needed sales after failed moves to Elland Road.

It might not stop there, though. Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Largie Ramazani are expected to leave before the window shuts.

Joel Piroe also appears set to join West Ham, while Willy Gnonto remains an interesting talking point before the 2026-27 campaign kicks off.