![Leeds United and Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka [Credit: Imago]](http://media.assettype.com/motleedsnews%2Fimport%2Fstatic%2Fuploads%2F3%2F2025%2F02%2Fao-tanakapleeds-united.png?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Liverpool star reacts as Ao Tanaka shares emotional Leeds message
Ao Tanaka has won a lot of admirers at Leeds United this season.
The Japanese midfielder was signed as a depth option for Daniel Farke's engine room but has widely exceeded expectations.
Since his £2.9million move from Fortuna Düsseldorf, the 26-year-old has forged a starting role at Elland Road and looks set to be a star in the Premier League.
He has slotted in perfectly alongside Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev or Joe Rothwell and emerged as a top-quality prospect.
Wataru Endo reacts to Tanaka admission at Leeds
Tanaka will have plenty of suitors in the summer transfer window but Farke will be keen to keep hold of the Japan star.
The Whites ace took to Instagram after 300,000 supporters rammed the streets of the city to share an emotional message.
He said: "There were times when I felt like giving up, but I believe in myself no matter what I have, and I believe in myself that I have come this far."
His international teammate and Liverpool star Wataru Endo responded by liking the post.
Tanaka can reach another level at Leeds
Tanaka has been a revelation since moving to Yorkshire and he can go up to another level in the top division.
The former Kawasaki Frontale ace looks like a perfect fit for the elite level, after a season in which he took the Championship by storm, notching five goals and two assists in the promotion push.
| Stats (Championship) | Tanaka |
| Matches | 43 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes played | 3,316 |
He was a crucial cog in Farke's side as they finally secured a return to the promised land for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
The Whites must do everything they can to keep hold of Tanaka in the transfer window as big clubs are likely to enter the race for his signature.
Given his latest message though, it is likely that the Japanese will want to continue his fairytale rise with the Peacocks and guide them to top-flight survival rather than departing before the mission is complete.
That task will be a tough ask, considering the fact that the gap between the divisions is at an all-time high with last season's newly-promoted teams coming straight back down.
However, Tanaka is definitely one player that Farke can trust to stand up and be counted, despite the rise in quality of the opposition.