Credit: Imago/Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Declan Carr

Wed 15 April 2026 8:10, UK

Ao Tanaka’s future at Leeds United has been the subject of much speculation in recent months.

The Japan midfielder has struggled to work his way into Daniel Farke‘s plans this season, failing to recapture his brilliant form from the Championship promotion campaign.

The victory against Manchester United on 14 April was his first Premier League start since 28 December, and he proved that he can still be a top-quality midfielder at this level.

Reports have suggested that the 27-year-old, who has made 71 appearances for the Whites is open to leaving Elland Road, with a potential £8-10.5million transfer on the cards.

Leeds cannot let Tanaka leave, though, especially when their win rate with him on the pitch is taken into account.

Leeds reveal means Tanaka should get a contract extension

Leeds star Tanaka reportedly wants a Premier League move if he is to depart, but the Whites should not sanction an exit.

He is under contract until 2028, but he should be handed a new deal, one that will keep him in LS11 for the foreseeable future as a priority.

His performance at Old Trafford showed what he is capable of in the top flight, if he is handed an opportunity.

In fact, the stats prove that the Peacocks are better with Tanaka in the side, as a reveal from Opta’s Jonny Cooper, shows that they have won 30 of the 49 matches that he has started.

That 61.2 per cent win rate is the best of any player in Whites history, and they have also only lost six of those games, giving him the lowest loss percentage with 12.2 per cent.

Why a new contract makes sense for Leeds no matter what

A new contract must be on Leeds’ shortlist of things to do, regardless, even if they decide that Tanaka is not part of their long-term future.

It would increase his value massively, as the rumoured figure is nowhere near enough for a player of his quality.

If Farke decides that he wants to keep the Japanese maestro, then he is secure, and there is no way that he can run his deal down and leave for free.

It is a win-win situation for the Yorkshire side, and they must take advantage and tie him down, before it is too late to do so.