Leeds United’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League has led to a renewed focus on strengthening the squad for next season. One player who has re-emerged on the radar is Japanese international midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was previously linked with a move to Elland Road last summer.
Tanaka, 25, plays for Fortuna Dusseldorf in the 2.Bundesliga and has been impressing with his energetic box-to-box midfield performances. He ended the season with eight goals and four assists across all competitions, and has been likened to Jude Bellingham due to his similar playing style.
According to Japanese outlet Hochi.News, Leeds United are back in the running for Tanaka, alongside Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart, as well as Premier League Everton. The midfielder is reportedly available for £2.5million, a relatively affordable price tag considering his talent and potential.
Tanaka’s playing style would be a good fit for Leeds United, who are looking to add more creativity and goal-scoring threat to their midfield. He is an energetic and dynamic player who can play in a variety of roles, including as a number 8 or number 10.
However, while Tanaka would be a solid signing for Leeds, he shouldn’t be a priority for the club this summer. With a limited budget and a long list of areas that need strengthening, Leeds need to focus on addressing their most pressing needs first.
The club’s failure to secure promotion has left them with a significant shortfall in revenue, and they will need to be smart and strategic in the transfer market to ensure they can compete with the top teams in the Championship.
Leeds United’s squad needs strengthening in several areas, including at full-back, centre-back, and up front. They also need to add more creativity and goal-scoring threat to their midfield, but Tanaka shouldn’t be the priority target.
The club’s owners, the 49ers, will need to be careful and considered in their transfer dealings this summer, ensuring that they are getting value for money and building a squad that can compete at the top level.
In conclusion, while Ao Tanaka would be a good signing for Leeds United, he shouldn’t be the priority target for the club this summer. With a limited budget and a long list of areas that need strengthening, Leeds need to focus on addressing their most pressing needs first. The club’s owners and transfer team will need to be smart and strategic in the transfer market to ensure they can build a squad that can compete at the top level.
Here are some additional points that could be explored in more detail:
- The impact of Tanaka’s playing style on Leeds United’s midfield dynamics
- The potential for Tanaka to play alongside other midfielders, such as Marc Roca and Tyler Adams
- The financial implications of Leeds United’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League
- The role of the 49ers, the club’s owners, in addressing the financial situation and ensuring the team’s stability
- The potential for other players to join Leeds United this summer, including a number 10, striker, full-backs, and centre-back.