Fortuna Dusseldorf manager drops Ao Tanaka update as Leeds United rumours circle
Fortuna Dusseldorf boss Daniel Thioune confirmed Ao Tanaka did not train with the team on Thursday (29 August) as rumours of a move to Leeds United persist.
The Japan midfielder was reportedly having a medical ahead of signing a four-year deal at Elland Road as Daniel Farke looks to make some last-minute additions to his squad (Sacha Tavolieri).
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth took to X to suggest the deal “sounds done” (29 August) and Thioune pretty much confirmed the 25-year-old is on his way out.
In quotes reported by Kicker, he said: “Ao didn’t train yesterday, Ao didn’t train today, I can’t tell you what will ultimately happen.”
All systems go for Leeds United on transfer deadline day
There has obviously been a huge amount of disappointment for Leeds, their supporters, and boss Farke throughout the summer with the likes of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter all being sold to bring in over £100million in transfer fees received.
But, belatedly, things have happened to improve the squad with Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani already in the door and now Tanaka seemingly all but done.
St Galle full-back Isaac Schmidt and Freiburg attacking midfielder Roland Sallai are also heavily tipped to move to West Yorkshire and if Leeds get all their reported transfer business done then they will have salvaged what had been an extremely disappointing transfer window until the closing days.
Whether the business they have managed, both outgoings and incomings, has been good work will ultimately be determined by results on the pitch but at least things are being done to make sure they have a very competitive squad once again.
In other Leeds United news, the club could still move for a long-term target if one deal collapses today.
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