Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 9 April 2026 11:10, UK

Ao Tanaka’s spell at Leeds United appears to be all but over, with the midfielder linked with a move away over the summer.

Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently reported that the 27-year-old is of interest to Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, while Tanaka himself is open to a departure.

Signing for the club from Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2024, the Japanese international was the beating heart of Daniel Farke’s side, promoted from the Championship last term.

Though, he has since fallen out of favour in the Premier League, limited to just over 700 minutes on the pitch.

Ahead of a potential departure over the summer, MOT Leeds News takes a look at some of his best goals in a Leeds shirt.

Ao Tanaka rocket sets Leeds up for Chelsea

Since joining the club, the technical midfielder has had plenty of fantastic moments for the Whites.

And despite finding minutes hard to come by this term, he has still found a way to make his mark at Elland Road.

Farke’s side began to turn their fortunes around over the festive period, with the Whites looking to forge a gap to the bottom three.

One of the biggest moments during this run came against rivals Chelsea, with Leeds beating the Blues 3-1 at Elland Road, while Tanaka stole the show in the middle of the park.

Taking the ball on the turn, before unleashing a powerful strike all in one quick motion, the 27-year-old sent the vociferous home support into raptures.

While the debate is there to be had regarding his best goal in a Leeds shirt, the excellence shown alongside the context surrounding the evening itself ranks Tanaka’s Chelsea rocket the highest in this list.

Tanaka effort from range keeps Leeds in promotion hunt

Throughout the entirety of last term, the Whites continued to take the second tier by storm, while Tanaka almost played in second gear for large periods.

This proved the case as Farke’s side made the trip from West to East Yorkshire, before playing out a 3-3 draw with Hull.

Voted as the club’s goal of the season, the Japan international showcased his supreme technical excellence once again with a wonderful strike.

By the time he was able to take the strike, the ball was actually behind him, outlining just how wonderful of a technician he is to bend the ball into the top right corner from distance infront of the travelling Leeds contingent.

The match would finish with the scores level at 3-3, but Tanaka’s first goal in a Leeds shirt will always be looked upon fondly.

Ao Tanaka dances through West Ham defence in FA Cup triumph

A different type of goal in comparison to the long-range rockets seen thus far, Tanaka’s goal and performance against West Ham on Sunday prove exactly why he and Leeds fans are so desperate for more minutes on the pitch.

Farke’s side made the trip to the London Stadium with Wembley in their sights, while the chance was there to deal direct damage to a relegation rival.

This was something the midfielder did as he bamboozled Soungoutou Magassa, before sending the ball home to give the Whites a valuable lead.

While the strike did take a deflection, nothing can be taken away from the moment with the dancing feet prior in mind.

To make things better for fans, the goal would be the first in a chaotic afternoon of football that will be remembered for a long time, with Leeds securing their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals through a penalty shootout win.

Ao Tanaka still has time to make final difference in Leeds survival fight

With Leeds locked in a relegation battle, boss Farke is going to need every member of his squad fit and firing for the season’s crunch point.

For one reason or another, Tanaka has found it incredibly difficult to work his way into the side on a regular basis, despite showcasing his supreme talents in the moments handed to him – including his sensational performance against West Ham.

Though, the fan favourite still has the time to make a pivotal difference at this stage of the season, with Leeds scrapping for their lives at the bottom end of the table.

If a move for Tanaka is to come to fruition this summer, the midfielder will always be remembered fondly for his contributions, especially if he were to come up with something to guide the West Yorkshire outfit to safety.