Ao Tanaka looks set for Leeds United (Credit: Imago))

Ao Tanaka to make Leeds United squad v Hull City, Graham Smyth says if he will start

Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for MOT Leeds News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Leeds United. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.

Published on:

30 Aug 2024, 2:50 am

Ao Tanaka could feasibly make the squad when Leeds United face Hull City in the Championship this weekend, Graham Smyth has said.

The Yorkshire Evening post journalist posted on X (30 August) to say the attacking midfielder, who is set to join from Fortuna Dusseldorf with his medical reportedly done (the Athletic), could sign in time to take part in a light training session on Friday.

Smyth said Tanaka could be on the bench but was keen to stress "only maybe" as he does not foresee there being an issue with his registration.

However, he added that St Gallen full-back Isaac Schmidt, another who looks very close to joining (Patrick Berger) has "no chance" of being involved as he won't be in the UK until Saturday morning.

Things are happening at Leeds United on deadline day

Things have really been spiced up at Leeds in the closing days of the transfer window, with Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon already in the door at Elland Road to strengthen Daniel Farke's squad.

Tanaka has long since been on Farke's radar and it looks inevitable now that the 25-year-old is going to be donning the famous white of Leeds once deadline day is over.

Whether that happens against the Tigers remains to be seen, Farke may after all decide it makes more sense to allow him to get settled in the city and bring him into the fold after the transfer window.

I imagine there'll be no issue with Tanaka being registered. He'll only be able to do the light session they do a day before a game. Maybe he makes the bench. Only maybe. No chance for Schmidt when he won't be in the country until the morning.
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 29, 2024

Alternatively, he may just decide to rip the band-aid off and thrust him straight in the squad this weekend and get him involved with his new team-mates.

Either way, it is positive to see Leeds finish the transfer window on a strong point having endured a pretty miserable window until these final days.

In other Leeds United news, the club were slammed by a BBC journalist over their pursuit of another transfer target.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Leeds United

Ao Tanaka

Fortuna Dusseldorf