Leeds United bid to sign Ao Tanaka hits the skids as ‘violent incident’ happens on Tuesday
Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Ao Tanaka after the player was injured in training, according to Express.
The German publication reported on its website on Tuesday (29 August) that the midfielder was forced to quit training early after a clash with teammate Felix Klaus.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known, with the 24-year-old leaving the session with a bandage on his knee, the publication added.
“Violent incident in training at Fortuna Dusseldorf,” according to Express. “Ao Tanaka caught it in a duel with Felix Klaus, now his move to England is shaky.
“Is a very bitter transfer final now looming? The departure of Ao Tanaka seemed practically a done deal at Fortuna Desseldorf, the move to Leeds United in England was on the home stretch. But now the business could shake again.
“Tanaka clashed with Klaus in a duel for the ball and was treated longer. He then stopped training and left the field with a bandage on his right knee. The exact diagnosis is still pending, investigations should bring clarification as soon as possible.”
Huge blow
Leeds have had rotten luck with injuries in recent times, with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo and others all unable to play lately, with star player Stuart Dallas continuing to recover from his broken leg.
New manager Daniel Farke has really missed those players, leading to the club enduring a miserable start to the new Championship season.
Success has come in the League Cup in the form of a first round win over Shrewsbury Town, with the second round match against Salford City taking place on Tuesday (29 August).
But in the Championship, a much more important competition for the Elland Road outfit, things have not been going well.
The West Yorkshire club currently sit 13th in the league table, with just one win from their four matches. It was not the start Farke had envisioned, with his side also drawing twice and losing once so far.
The signature of Tanaka would have definitely improved the club, but now it seems unlikely that a deal will be carried out.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to pay millions for a new forward locked in a financial battle at a European club.