Ao Tanaka shares three-word update to reporters amid Leeds United transfer bid

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Published on:

30 Aug 2023, 3:40 pm

Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka has provided a short update to reporters after his move to Leeds United fell through.

Amid plenty of confusion, Leeds pulled out of a deal to sign Tanaka on Tuesday [29 August] amid reports he had injured himself in a "horror" training incident [Rheinische Post].

However, a further update by Sky Sports Germany on Wednesday [30 August] denied that was the reason behind the collapsed move, with Leeds simply deciding the 24-year-old did not have the qualities they were after.

Tanaka appeared to confirm he is injury-free when telling reporters outside Dusseldorf's training ground, as per German outlet Bild [30 August]: "I am healthy".

Focus shifts elsewhere

It is rare for a transfer to advance as far as this one without actually going through.

Injuries happen, as do complications regarding finer personal details and indeed previously unknown issues that are flagged up in a medical.

But for Leeds to pull the plug on signing 19-cap Japan international Tanaka because they decided they do not actually want him is a strange one.

The Whites could really do with signing a central midfielder before the window closes, but a move for Rangers' Glen Kamara has also gone quiet.

Others have been linked with a move to Elland Road, and it could make for a busy finale ahead of the 11pm deadline on 1 September.

The only thing for certain is that Tanaka will not be putting on a Leeds shirt following the bizarre goings on over the past couple of days.

In other Leeds United news, the club have reportedly reached an agreement regarding another exit.

Leeds United

Ao Tanaka

Fortuna Dusseldorf