Ao Tanaka absent from Fortuna training as Leeds United bid to sign Japan star
Leeds United target Ao Tanaka was absent from training with Fortuna Düsseldorf on Wednesday (28 August), according to BILD.
The German news outlet reported online (28 August) that the club’s stance on Tanaka is that he cannot train. However, it has been emphasised that the 25-year-old is not on strike.
Fortuna Düsseldorf have a “concrete offer” on the table with Daniel Farke keen to sign the midfielder. Negotiations are currently underway, with Leeds likely to have their bid accepted (via Sakanowa, 28 August).
A replacement will be needed at the German second-division club, who are described by BILD as “cash-strapped”.
Leeds United to sign Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka?
This would be a big signing for Farke ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on Friday (30 August).
Midfielders Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and Georginio Rutter have all already left Elland Road. The ex-Leeds trio played a big part in the club’s promotion push last season.
As a result, their absences will no doubt be felt by the Whites as the season progresses. Therefore, adding a brand-new player in the middle of the park wouldn’t hurt.
Tanaka is an experienced international who has scored eight times at senior level for Japan. He has been playing his football in the German second division and might therefore be able to make a smooth transition to the Championship.
There isn’t much time left in the window and supporters will be hopeful that Leeds can get a deal across the line in time.
While there might be a few nerves about this deal getting done, fans will no doubt feel slightly more confident now that they have discovered Tanaka was absent from training on Wednesday.
In other Leeds United news, the club will need to pay £5million to seal a last-gasp attacker transfer.
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