Premier League clubs want Leeds star Ao Tanaka as January sale assessed
Paul Robinson does believe Leeds United will partake in any business for Ao Tanaka despite already being labelled good enough for the Premier League.
The Japanese international has been a crucial addition to Daniel Farke’s squad, filling in for injured duo Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, hitting the ground running since his arrival.
Having earned rave reviews after the past few weeks, with 11 Championship starts now under his belt, Robinson has predicted Leeds to reject any proposals from Premier League clubs in January.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Premier League teams will definitely be looking at him but it’s not a January deal. Considering the size and stature of Leeds United, the club wanting to win promotion, and injuries to Gruev and Ampadu, it’s not even a conversation.
“If you’re going to sell, how would you replace him? At this stage in the season, Leeds should be looking to strengthen to get over the line, not selling their best players. In no way should they be thinking about selling one of the starting XI.
“We believe that, financially, Leeds are okay right now, so there is no need to sell. Either way, Tanaka would not be on the list of players. They need to invest to get to the Premier League, not sell key players.”
Leeds United to face possible Ao Tanaka exit in January?
There is absolutely no doubt that Leeds have found a real coup in the 26-year-old midfielder, having only arrived at Elland Road in a deal worth £3.5million [Yorkshire Evening Post].
Even if Ampadu and Gruev were to be fully fit, Tanaka has proven his ability to control the midfielder, which could make it extremely difficult for either of the aforementioned duo to make it back into the starting XI.
Therefore, a January exit for the Japanese star would make zero sense as the Whites charge towards Premier League promotion.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds are ready to let a big-name player leave in January, with only final details left.
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