Ao Tanaka: Writing on wall for Leeds United star as Shea Charles wanted - verdict

Ao Tanaka's future at Leeds United has looked uncertain heading into the summer, and news around Shea Charles may now all but show he could be on his way out of Elland Road.

The Japanese international was in and out of Daniel Farke's starting eleven last season, and was considering leaving in the winter window.

Tanaka has since come out and admitted that Janaury was the second time he had thoughts about exiting Leeds, which shows he truly does care about getting regular game time.

However, Farke is set to stay on and hopes to establish the Whites as a more dominant force moving forward.

That may mean he could go back to deploying a two midfielder pivot in the middle of the park, as Ethan Ampadu would take one of the slots.

But if Leeds go and sign Charles from Southampton, Tanaka could once again take a backseat at Elland Road, which wouldn't leave him too happy.

Leeds weigh up Shea Charles move as Ao Tanaka future comes into question

Whether or not Tanaka has made the step up to the Premier League standard is debatable.

The 27-year-old made himself a fan favourite during Leeds promotion campaign in the 2024-25 season, but hasn't been 100 per cent consistent in the top flight.

The harsh reality of the business is that Leeds want to improve year on year, and splashing a possible £20million on Charles would prove there willingness to upgrade on Tanaka.

Charles has already made 35 appearances for Northern Ireland, and is being tipped to leave the Saints after they were kicked out of the EFL Championship play-off final for admitting to cheating on their semi-final opponents, Middlesbrough.

If the Whites did move for the 21-year-old gem, Tanaka could feel disheartened once again and seek an immediate departure.

Who could Tanaka join?

Tanaka has been linked with a move back to Germany after he signed for Leeds from Fortuna Dussledorf on a four-year deal in 2024.

Several Bundesliga clubs have been mooted with interest in the midfielder, who could be replaced at Leeds this summer by Charles.

It's said that Leeds have set a paltry price tag of £8m on Tanaka, which is something that will certainly appeal to clubs across Europe.

The huge signs of promise came when Tanaka was used consistently, so the ball is in Farke's court not to ruin that again.

He is a player who deserves to be playing first-team football, and if he were to leave in search of more minutes, no Leeds fan would blame him.