Ao Tanaka, who Leeds United acquired from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the summer transfer window, may prove to be one of their most astute acquisitions of the year.
The main problem Leeds had in the 23/24 season was ‘s midfield options’ glaring lack of production in the final third.
Ao Tanaka, a Japan international from Fortuna Dusseldorf, was one of the replacements to offer extra firepower to the midfield after Archie Gray and Glen Kamara left.
What was the fee paid by Leeds United to acquire Ao Tanaka?
Tanaka was much sought-after in 2023, when Leeds was also heavily linked to signing him, thanks to his stint at Fortuna.
Still, as a player who was signed through to the last year in Germany, he was also reasonably priced.
The Athletic revealed that Leeds had to pay £2.95 million to relocate the 26-year-old from Dusseldorf to Elland Road.
Tanaka’s salary after switching from the 2.Bundesliga to the Championship in England has now been made public by Capology.
The wage that Tanaka is allegedly receiving is £17,500 per week, or £910,000 annually.
Early on in his Leeds jersey career, Tanaka has demonstrated similar attributes to his past work, including excellent technical skill in possession that wouldn’t appear out of place further up the football ladder than either Germany’s or England’s second division.
Tanaka, a regular for Japan, might end up being a wise acquisition for Leeds considering that just seven players in the first team roster make less money than him.
