Leeds United’s pursuit of Ao Tanaka has taken a dramatic turn, with reports emerging that the Japanese midfielder does not have a release clause in his contract with Fortuna Dusseldorf. This revelation contradicts earlier claims that Tanaka’s deal included a £2.65million release clause, which Leeds United were believed to be trigger-happy to activate.
According to German newspaper BILD, Tanaka’s contract does not include a release clause, meaning that Fortuna Dusseldorf are free to demand a transfer fee for the 25-year-old midfielder. The report suggests that the German club are willing to sell Tanaka for his market value of £3.3million, a figure that Leeds United may be willing to meet.
This development comes after Leeds United had previously attempted to sign Tanaka last summer, only to be rebuffed by Fortuna Dusseldorf. At the time, the Whites sent an email to the German club expressing their interest in the midfielder, but it was ignored.
However, it seems that Leeds United’s interest in Tanaka has not wavered, and the club are now in talks with Fortuna Dusseldorf over a potential deal. The Daily Mail reported earlier on Wednesday that Tanaka could jet into the UK to finalize a move to Elland Road, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Tanaka’s potential signing would be a significant coup for Leeds United, who have been searching for a midfielder with his skillset. The Japanese international is a box-to-box midfielder who offers an attacking threat from the middle of the park, and is seen as an on-field leader.
The Bundesliga website has described Tanaka as a player who “plays a bit like Jude Bellingham” due to his all-round play, highlighting his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
At £3.3million, Tanaka could be a steal for Leeds United, who would be signing a player with his experience and skillset for a relatively modest fee. The transfer would also represent a significant coup for the Whites, who would be beating off competition from other clubs to secure Tanaka’s signature.
As the transfer window enters its final stages, Leeds United fans will be eagerly awaiting news of Tanaka’s potential signing. If the deal is completed, it would represent a significant boost to the club’s midfield options, and could be the catalyst for a successful season at Elland Road.