Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 8 April 2026 9:10, UK

Ao Tanaka is wanted by Schalke 04 amid interest from English clubs in the Leeds United midfielder.

Sky in Germany reports via Fussball Transfers on 7 April that the Whites are open to selling the Japan international in the summer for around £10million.

It’s been claimed that the Bundesliga outfit’s possible approach for the 27-year-old could be complicated by the hefty price tag and his desire to stay in the Premier League.

The former Fortuna Dusseldorf player favours remaining in England for the time being after playing a significant role in helping the West Yorkshire outfit win promotion last season.

Daniel Farke has rarely used Tanaka in the current campaign, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the midfielder leave, though what the future holds for him remains to be seen.

Ao Tanaka feelings made clear by Daniel Farke at Leeds United

Leeds bolstered their midfield last summer with Anton Stach, who has been an ever-present in their engine room since.

Ethan Ampadu and the former TSG Hoffenheim star have formed an impressive partnership in the middle of the park at Elland Road, leaving Tanaka struggling for minutes.

Sean Longstaff also joined the Whites in the 2025 summer transfer window, increasing competition for places in their midfield.

The Japanese national has started just seven Premier League matches and it’s clear that Farke no longer trusts him.

It’s hard to see Tanaka get back into the starting lineup in the Premier League despite his heroics in the FA Cup, with an exit evidently inevitable unless the German manager makes certain promises.

Paraag Marathe will have Ao Tanaka dilemma at Elland Road

Tanaka’s possible return to Germany in the summer would probably be the desired outcome for Leeds.

Paraag Marathe and 49ers Enterprises wouldn’t want to sell the Japan international to a team competing with them in the Premier League relegation battle if they survive the drop this season.

Selling the midfielder to a direct rival wouldn’t be sensible, as fans in LS11 are already aware of the impact he can have.

The Whites must prepare for several scenarios, considering their uncertain situation in the English top flight, and Tanaka’s future will be just one of the many things on their agenda at the end of the campaign.