49ers not wasting time: Leeds in contact to sign “effective” new international player for Farke

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have wasted no time in making an enquiry for a summer signing following their Championship playoff final defeat to Southampton. Despite the disappointment of missing out on promotion to the Premier League, the Whites and Daniel Farke are already preparing for another season in the second tier, with a busy summer of incomings and outgoings expected.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has confirmed that there will be departures and arrivals ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, stating that the club has the funds necessary to make the required signings. Marathe told Sky Sports: “We are well capitalised from an investment standpoint. We have the funds that we need to do what we need to do. The reality of being in the Championship is that Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) plays a role. We also inherited a challenging situation, so naturally there are going to be some trade-offs. But also, we have a really good team, and it is not just about outs, but ins. We’re looking at scouting possibilities and players that we can bring in. We will have to make some trade-offs because of P&S but we have the investment commitment to do what we need to do.”

Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, and Archie Gray have already been linked with moves away from Yorkshire, but it appears that plans are already in place to bring in a new midfielder. Last year, Leeds were heavily linked with signing Ao Tanaka, but ultimately brought in Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev instead. However, reports from Hochi News suggest that Leeds have already enquired about signing Tanaka this summer, alongside Borussia Monchengladbach, FC Mainz, and Everton.

Tanaka, a Japan international, is likely to leave Fortuna Duesseldorf after they failed to win promotion to the Bundesliga, throwing away a three-goal lead in a two-legged promotion final against Bochum. The 25-year-old has a career-high Transfermarkt valuation and can play in holding or attacking roles, but is primarily a box-to-box midfielder. This versatility could provide Farke with plenty of options next season, alongside the likes of Kamara, Gruev, Ampadu, and potentially Gray.

Tanaka caught the eye of Josh Bunting during the 2022 World Cup with his “effective” displays, and has plenty of experience in the German second division, making 91 appearances for his current employers. It remains to be seen if Leeds will be successful in their pursuit of Tanaka, but it is clear that they are already planning for next season.

The Whites may already have an “impressive” Joe Rodon replacement in the form of 21-year-old centre-back, Nohan Kenneh, who has been impressing on loan at Yeovil Town. Meanwhile, £50k-p/w player Marc Roca is reportedly “closer than ever” to leaving Leeds for £0 in a financial hit.

Leeds United’s loan defender Joe Rodon has also been linked with a permanent move to the club, while £20k-per-week star Crysencio Summerville is pushing to leave Elland Road this summer. The Whites could sign an “exceptional” Wilfried Gnonto replacement in the form of 23-year-old winger, Junior Firpo, who has been linked with a move to the club.

With all these transfer rumors and speculation, it’s clear that Leeds United are already planning for next season and are looking to strengthen their squad in order to achieve promotion to the Premier League.