Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke

Daniel Farke fed Ao Tanaka info through contacts with Leeds United deal finalised

Dan Bardell

Dan Bardell is a football journalist, panelist and broadcaster who's made a name for himself with The Athletic, Sky Sports and talkSPORT. Dan's expertise can be heard every week on national radio and on TV screens and we're delighted to share his thoughts and views on our Breaking Media sites.

Published on

Dan Bardell believes Daniel Farke was recommended Ao Tanaka for Leeds United by his contacts in Germany.

The Whites have confirmed the signing of the Japan international on 30 August in a deal worth a reported £3.3million [Yorkshire Evening Post].

Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested that Farke was fed information about the Fortuna Düsseldorf star before completing a deal.

Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Bardell said: "The Bundesliga and English football aren't too dissimilar, there are similarities between them.

"Reading between the lines, it seems like a player who has been recommended to Daniel Farke by his contacts in Germany.

"On the face of it they're replacing an established player with more of an unknown. With these signings, they can go either way because the Championship is intense."

Leeds United sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf

A more direct Glen Kamara replacement has finally come through the doors at Elland Road with just hours remaining in the transfer window.

The Finland international departed earlier in the summer to Stade Rennais and only Joe Rothwell had come in to add to the midfield conversation.

Now Tanaka is likely to come in and take up a role in the midfield alongside either Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev.

This will add some stability to the middle of the pitch under Farke which is an area that his side has struggled with at the beginning of the season.

Leeds United target Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka looks set to join Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)

The Japan star represents a real coup for the Whites in a deal which has left supporters excited.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

MOT Leeds News | Breaking News, Match Reactions, Transfers & Fan Voice
motleedsnews.com