Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 9 April 2026 6:47, UK

Ao Tanaka is reportedly ready to leave Leeds United over the summer.

This comes from a report via Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reports that a potential fee of around £8.7million would be required for his services.

Tanaka has fallen somewhat out of favour under Daniel Farke this term, limited to just 765 minutes of Premier League football in total.

Despite this, the 27-year-old has still impressed when given the chance, and remains a fan favourite at Elland Road.

Though boss Farke may have forced his hand when it comes to a potential move, with no real prospect of substantial game time in the Whites’ midfield moving forward.

Destination mooted as Ao Tanaka prepares for potential Leeds exit

Joining the club from 2. Bundesliga outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf in the summer of 2024, Tanaka would become a regular as Leeds took the Championship by storm last term – missing just the three matches prior to his arrival late in the transfer window.

Though, his importance at Elland Road has dropped this season, with the Japanese midfielder struggling to build up form during inconsistent game time.

In the report detailing a potential exit, Plettenberg outlined that Tanaka is favouring a move to the Premier League – far from a surprise given the fact that he has not had a real chance to prove himself in the division.

Though German outfit SC Freiburg are also mentioned as an interested suitor.

Die Breisgauer sit eighth in the Bundesliga, and have reached Europe in three of the last four seasons.

Julian Schuster’s side are preparing for a Europa League quarter-final against Celta Vigo this week, and may see Tanaka as a crucial cog as the Black Forest club look to further climb the standings domestically.

Ao Tanaka remains a fan-favourite at Leeds United

When it comes to a potential exit, a return to Germany would likely be the most favourable outcome for Leeds fans.

After not being given too much of a chance in the top flight, the worst nightmare for supporters would be to see him perform elsewhere in the division.

When called upon, Tanaka has been superb, with his attitude matching.

For some reason or another, Whites’ boss Farke simply has not fancied the 27-year-old since the club’s ascent, making it far from surprising that an exit is on the cards.

Though, fans of the Elland Road side will be desperate to see him make a move back to the Bundesliga, simply due to how heartbreaking it would be to see him succeed on these shores.