Ao Tanaka transfer fee verdict shared by those who watched him before Leeds United move
Ao Tanaka’s move to Leeds United has been dubbed as a “bargain” by those who watched him prior to his Elland Road switch, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reported on 5 September that the former Fortuna Dusseldorf ace was also a target during the 2023/24 summer window but the Whites opted for Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara instead.
The report also details that Tanaka was signed for a fee worth somewhere in the region of £3million, which, when Kamara’s sale is taken into account, makes the transfer seem even better.
“Leeds originally lodged a bid with Fortuna Dusseldorf for Tanaka last summer, but opted for fellow midfielders Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev when it was knocked back,” Nancy Froston wrote.
“They finally landed him a year on, after Kamara’s sale to Rennes in France, for a fee in the region of £3million ($3.9m) — seen as a bargain to those who have watched him regularly.
Leeds United have undergone a massive midfield overhaul
Although Leeds have known about the Japan international for some time now, he could still be quite a surprise package for the Whites’ fans.
There has been a midfield overhaul in West Yorkshire this term with Archie Gray and Kamara both exiting while Joe Rothwell [Graham Smyth, 11 July] and Tanaka were added.
Rothwell is already a very proven player at the Championship level and could help mentor Tanaka into becoming an even better player.
Ethan Ampadu and Charlie Crew are also another couple of options within Daniel Farke’s ranks that could be used in the centre of Leeds’ midfield.
Tanaka is a regular starter for his national team and brings a level of stability to the midfield.
Although it’s still early days yet, the amount of ability the 25-year-old possesses is second to none and he could easily become one of the Whites’ signings of the summer if he can live up to the potential he has shown.
In other Leeds news, Carlton Palmer has shared his surprise at Patrick Bamford not exiting Elland Road this summer.
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