Leeds United agree personal terms with Tanaka, transfer could be hours away from completion
Leeds United have agreed personal terms with Ao Tanaka with the Fortuna Dusseldorf star potentially “hours” away from moving to Elland Road, according to Rheinische Post.
The German newspaper reported via their website on 28 August that while the contracts have not yet been officially signed, “there are many indications” that Tanaka, 25, will join the Whites on a permanent basis before the transfer window shuts on Friday (30 August).
It is understood that Leeds made a “firm offer” for the Japan midfielder, something which brought relief at Fortuna amid fears they would lose him for nothing next year when his contract expires.
Fortuna Dusseldorf relief as Leeds United agree terms to sign Ao Tanaka
Daniel Farke is reportedly a “big fan” of Tanaka [YEP] and Leeds did make an unsuccessful attempt to sign the former Kawasaki Frontale midfielder last summer.
He’s clearly someone who’s highly thought of at Elland Road – but that doesn’t seem to be the case in Germany.
Rheinische Post journalist Gianni Costa wrote to suggest that there’s a relief that Tanaka is being sold for a profit after an inconsistent spell at Fortuna, where he’s also encountered issues with various injuries.
It is understood that Leeds are the only team who’ve made a bid for him this summer despite his contract status.
Dusseldorf missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga last season after losing to VfL Bochum in the play-offs. According to Costa, Tanaka gave “one of his weakest performances for the Rhinelanders in the second leg” of the play-off final.
It doesn’t sound like he’s a big-game player, it doesn’t sound like his fitness is very reliable and it doesn’t seem as though Fortuna are too bothered by his imminent exit.
It’s a wonder why Farke is such a big fan of the midfielder, if this truly is the case.
In other Leeds United news, a contract meeting has been held for a forward who the Whites now want to sign.
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