Leeds United announced the signing of Manor Solomon on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday – but the Whites are not done yet.
The Israel international has signed up for the 2024/25 campaign at Elland Road to bolster Daniel Farke’s attacking department, although those in Yorkshire are now trying to strengthen the central midfield area as well, with talks currently ongoing to sign a target from 2023.
So, who have Leeds United resurrected interest in just before Friday’s transfer deadline? Let’s take a look…
Leeds United pushing to sign Ao Tanaka with good chance of striking agreement
A story from Bild in Germany has now provided further details on Leeds United and Ao Tanaka.
The German news outlet believe there is actually no release clause in the Japan international’s contract, so Leeds are currently negotiating a fee with Fortuna Dusseldorf – with a good chance of the deal materialising.
It comes after the Daily Mail claimed that Leeds United could trigger a £2.65m release clause in Tanaka’s contract with the 2.Bundesliga outfit – which Bild now claim does not actually exist.
While the existence of that clause remains a mystery, Leeds United’s desire to sign the 25-year-old certainly seems genuine.
Bild even claim that the Whites spoke to Fortuna Dusseldorf through email during the summer of 2023 to discuss a deal for Tanaka, but the German side stopped replying.
Clik here to view.
Now – however – the man from Kawasaki only has 11 months remaining on his deal, with Bild stating that his contract situation means Fortuna Dusseldorf are unlikely to receive the €4m (£3.4m) they want for a sale.
Daniel Farke could get a bargain
Even if Leeds United do end up meeting Fortuna Dusseldorf’s £3.4m asking price for Tanaka, it could prove to be shrewd business.
The Fortuna Dusseldorf No.4 is just 25 years of age, meaning Leeds United would be getting themselves a player right in the midst of his prime, while he also offers a source of goals from midfield, which is a rare trait for midfielders to possess.
Clik here to view.
Tanaka – who the Bundesliga have compared to Jude Bellingham – scored seven goals in 30 league appearances last season, while also providing four assists, averaging a goal involvement more often than every three games, which is a superb return.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Bild seem to believe Leeds United have a good chance of signing Tanaka before Friday’s deadline.
