Daniel Farke now has doubts about Leeds United signing Ao Tanaka amid ‘horror’ training-ground incident
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has doubts about progressing with a move for Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka following a “horror” training incident, according to the Rheinische Post.
The newspaper wrote online (29 August) that Farke is a big admirer of Tanaka and is aware of his playing style, but is now unsure on whether to proceed and the deal is in danger of collapsing.
It was reported by Rheinische that Tanaka injured his knee in a challenge with team-mate Felix Klaus, a scene they said would have caused “horror” among the management hierarchy.
Tanaka is said to have immediately fallen to the ground and grabbed his leg before later hobbling back to the changing rooms with his knee bandaged.
Don’t take any risks
Aged only 24 and with 19 Japan caps to his name already, Ao Tanaka fits the sort of age and profile Leeds are looking for as they look to bolster their midfield ranks in the closing stages of the transfer window.
But if there is any doubt at all about Tanaka, a player who has had a previous knee injury, then Leeds need to walk away from the deal and pursue other targets in the days they have remaining.
Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara seems the most obvious target they can get through the door, especially after Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri reportedly performed another U-turn having visited the training ground and city and opted against the move (Daily Mail).
Leeds still do need bodies in the engine room, that much is certainly true, but what they cannot afford to do at this juncture is take a risk on any player signings. It is a long, arduous season, they need to make sure everyone is able to contribute.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have agreed to pay Tottenham £1.5million in add-ons to secure the loan signing of Djed Spence.