Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf on a four year deal. The 25-year old joins the Whites after three years in Germany.
Tanaka arrives with a wealth of experience, having made over a 100 appearances in Germany. The midfielder is also a regular international for Japan, having racked up 27 appearances – playing at the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The fee is said to be around €4million, and Leeds United boss Daniel Farke gets reinforcements in midfield. The Whites lost star midfielder Archie Gray and Glenn Kamara this summer. Gray joined Spurs in the Premier League, and Kamara moved to France, joining Stade Rennais.
Tanaka arrives ahead of the transfer deadline, with Leeds looking to complete a few more deals before this weekend.
Ao Tanaka excited to be at Elland Road
In his first words after signing for the club, the midfielder says he is very happy to be at Elland Road.
“I am so excited and I am so happy to be here,” the new signing exclusively told LUTV.
“I can control the game and make the assists and goals. I want to help the team.
“Of course, we want to go to the Premier League which is why I came here so I want to make a contribution for the team.
“Everyone says Leeds fans are amazing and the stadium atmosphere is amazing, so I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing supporters.
“I want to win in the stadium with so many supporters!”
Tanaka likened to Real Madrid star
In an article written by the Bundesliga in 2022, Tanaka’s play style was compared to then Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, who is now at Real Madrid.
The excerpt from the website reads:
“Japan has given the Bundesliga some excellent players down the years. Makoto Hasebe has proven himself a defensive stalwart, while Daichi Kamada is emerging as a top-class attacking midfielder. Tanaka is somewhere in between, going box to box and emerging as an on-field leader like Borussia Dortmund’s England international Jude Bellingham. Tanaka looks to clean up from deep – averaging almost nine tackles won per Bundesliga 2 game in 2022/23 – and get forward whenever possible. He’s had almost one shot per outing this season, mixing things up between darts into the box – think Spain in Qatar – and rasping shots from outside the penalty area.”
Tanaka scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in the 2.Bundesliga last season as Fortuna Dusseldorf finished in third place.
Leeds United host Hull City this weekend as they look to add their second league win this season.
