Leeds United remain active in the January transfer window with less than a week to go before the deadline, as they look to add further reinforcements to their squad.
Operating under strict financial constraints, the Whites have already bolstered their attacking options by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton after he turned down the same move last summer.
Leeds are also assessing striker options and are believed to be working on a deal for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, which could become a club-record signing this winter.
However, the Whites could now face the real threat of losing a key player from their squad due to interest in Ao Tanaka from Turkey late in the transfer window.
Turkish giants want to snare Ao Tanaka away from Leeds United
Tanaka has not started a league game since the end of December and is struggling for rhythm due to not getting regular opportunities in the eleven.
Daniel Farke even picked him out for some criticism after the 1-1 draw at Everton, and amid this backdrop, there are no question marks over his future at Elland Road.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Tanaka is attracting interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray towards the end of the window.
Galatasaray want to add to their midfield before the end of the window, and Tanaka’s name has been added to their shortlist of targets.
The club are exploring the possibility of getting their hands on the Leeds midfielder late in the transfer window. It is unclear whether they are looking to sign him on loan or on a permanent deal.
However, it is highly unlikely that Leeds would agree to sell the player this late in the window as Farke is in no mood to weaken his squad.
But Tanaka is not starting enough games and could get tempted by the possibility of playing more at Galatasaray.
Leeds cannot lose Tanaka
Tanaka has not been playing much, but he remains a key part of the squad. He comes on regularly from the bench and has scored important goals this season.
With less than a week left in the window, Leeds are in no position to let him go and sign a quality replacement in time.
| Premier League – Season Totals | |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 20 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 743 |
The club hope that Tanaka feels the same about staying at Leeds despite the lack of starts and the criticism from Farke, as if he wants to leave, it would be a major problem.
Leeds fans would also not want to lose a player such as Tanaka, and Galatasaray being the suitors makes it much more emotionally charged for the supporters.
The two clubs share a horrible past, and Leeds supporters would loathe to see a top player go directly to Galatasaray from Elland Road.
Do the 49s have money to spend or is the big talk of Strandlarson just talk? If this not going to happen why don’t they buy different player for less and review in the summer. We need 2 players in one could be on loan – the game against Everton shows a team that was full of warn out players without a few additions this will only get worse in the coming months.
49ers sticking to their M.O, offering too little and leaving it too late, in order to make excuses for not signing players. Forest and West Ham already have improved and that’s down to incomings. We are fannying about yet again. just pay the 40M like they did. This M.O. is there for all to see. Palace can’t buy until Mateta goes, strike now, or buy Mateta. I don’t believe they are serious, why not have him in the team for Arsenal?
i would rather pay manchester united to take him tha get a great price from that turkish club