Ao Tanaka ‘to be rewarded with new Leeds contract’
Ao Tanaka has been one of the best players at Leeds United, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him rewarded with a new contract at Elland Road.
The Japan international signed for the Whites last summer from Fortuna Dusseldorf and has been a revelation this season.
Tanaka has been handed immense responsibility at Elland Road after injuries to the likes of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu earlier in the current campaign.
Daniel Farke is set for the Premier League as the West Yorkshire outfit sit at the top of the table, and the 26-year-old midfielder has been a big part of that success.
Leeds to address Tanaka contract situation
Tanaka’s contract situation at the Whites may be addressed soon, according to Graeme Bailey.
The TBR Football journalist believes that while a new deal could be talked about, it isn’t a priority for the Peacocks right now.
Bailey revealed the 26-year-old is already earning big money at the West Yorkshire outfit and is currently happy at the club.
Speaking to Leeds United News (28 February), the journalist said: “[Tanaka] is not on low money. The players who get them up, they will be addressing that situation. I don’t think Tanaka will be one of the first ones [in line for discussions over a new deal].
“I believe he’s very happy at Leeds.”
Elland Road embrace Tanaka after impressive displays
Tanaka has been embraced by the Elland Road faithful after his surprising contribution to the team this season.
Farke is once again without Ampadu after the Welsh national picked up another injury, and it remains to be seen whether he will play again in the current campaign.
The Whites fans won’t be worried about their captain’s absence, considering they have the Japan international to rely on.
Joe Rothwell has been another player who has exceeded expectations at the West Yorkshire outfit after what he has done in recent months.
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 31 | 3 | 2 |
The Englishman and Tanaka formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the park at a time when Farke was desperate for midfielders.
Rothwell is on loan at the Peacocks from Bournemouth until the end of the season, and he’s a player who deserves a permanent contract at Elland Road next summer.
The Whites have dominated the Championship so far with their impressive depth in quality, but the Premier League will be a different kettle of fish.
If Tanaka continues to perform well once the West Yorkshire outfit win promotion to the English top flight, he will undoubtedly deserve fresh terms.