Ao Tanaka, 25, has officially signed a four-year contract with Leeds United from Fortuna Dusseldorf. Tanaka comes to the Whites with a wealth of experience, having played in over 100 games during his three years in Germany. In addition, the midfielder is a regular international for Japan, having made 27 appearances, including appearances at the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, reportedly receives midfield reinforcements for a sum of approximately €4 million. This summer, the Whites lost Glenn Kamara and Archie Gray, their standout midfielder. Gray went to play for Spurs in the Premier League, while Kamara relocated to Stade Rennais in France.
Tanaka comes before the deadline for transfers, as Leeds hopes to close a few more transactions this weekend.
Enthusiastic to be at Elland Road is Ao Tanaka
In his initial remarks upon joining the team, the midfield player expresses his happiness at being at Elland Road.
The new hire exclusively told LUTV, “I am so happy to be here and I am so excited.”
“I can make the assists and goals, and I can control the game.” I wish to support the group.
“I came here to support the team because, of course, we want to play in the Premier League. I want to contribute to the team.”
“I’m excited because everyone says Leeds supporters are incredible and the stadium atmosphere is incredible.
“I want to win in front of so many fans in the stadium!”
Tanaka compared to the star of Real Madrid
Tanaka’s style of play was compared to that of Jude Bellingham, the star player from Borussia Dortmund at the time who is currently at Real Madrid, in a 2022 article published by the Bundesliga.
This is what the webpage snippet says:
Over the years, the Bundesliga has received some outstanding players from Japan. Daichi Kamada is developing into one of the best attacking midfielders in the league, and Makoto Hasebe has established himself as a defensive mainstay. Tanaka is in the middle, traveling from box to box and becoming a leader on the pitch similar to Jude Bellingham, the England international for Borussia Dortmund. Tanaka likes to get forward whenever he can and clean up from deep, averaging over nine tackles won per Bundesliga 2 game in 2022–2023. This season, he has averaged nearly one shot per game, alternating between rasping strikes from outside the penalty area and dashes into the box (think Spain in Qatar).
