Ethan Ampadu reacts to vague Ao Tanaka message as Leeds exit mooted
Ao Tanaka has been a revelation for Leeds United this season.
The Japanese midfielder has forged a surprise starting spot after joining Daniel Farke‘s side in a £2.9million deal from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer.
The 26-year-old has proved to be the perfect partner for either Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell, or Ilia Gruev in the Whites’ engine room as the Elland Road outfit find themselves on the verge of promotion to the Premier League.
Tanaka sends cryptic message as Leeds exit rumours swirl
With Leeds looking at a move for Kalvin Phillips in the summer, rumours about Tanaka’s future in Yorkshire have continued to pop up.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson even suggested that the Japan ace could make way in the first team for the Manchester City star when speaking to MOT Leeds News recently.
However, the current Peacocks star would not want to warm the bench after a fantastic season in the Championship and could seek an exit if his playing time is set to be reduced.
Tanaka took to Instagram after the 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw with Saudi Arabia in a cryptic post, saying: “I can still do more and I will do my best to grow more.”
Leeds teammates Illan Meslier, Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo, and Ampadu all liked the post.
Leeds must keep Tanaka despite Phillips rumours
Tanaka and Phillips are on completely different trajectories right now, with the former looking like a Premier League ready player and the latter struggling at the highest level after leaving Elland Road.
Since his move to Manchester, Phillips has struggled to tie down a starting berth under Pep Guardiola and has since been sent on loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich Town where he has not pulled up any trees.
| Season | Club | PL Appearances |
| 2022/23 | Manchester City | 12 |
| 2023/24 | Manchester City | 4 |
| 2023/24 | West Ham | 8 |
| 2024/25 | Ipswich Town | 16 |
Midfield is one aspect of the Peacocks’ squad that looks ready for the top-flight already, a new addition may unsettle it, and they would be better of investing in a new goalkeeper to replace Meslier and in defence and attack anyway.
Losing Tanaka would be a major blow as he has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the country and looks like a perfect fit for the top tier.
Focus right now must be on securing a place in the automatic promotion spots with Sheffield United and Bunely chasing Farke’s side down, then transfers can be planned once the Whites know which division they will be playing in.