Major Ao Tanaka revelation emerges from blockbuster Beren Cross update

After a successful first season back in the Premier League, which ended with a 14th-place finish, Leeds United have already shifted their focus to the summer transfer window and the challenge of building on that momentum.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has indicated that the club are not planning another major rebuild, with Leeds believing they already have a solid core of players capable of taking the team forward.

However, Daniel Farke has made it clear that he wants to see continued progress. The Leeds manager has repeatedly stressed the need for ambition in the transfer market and has no interest in simply standing still after securing survival. His focus is firmly on strengthening the squad and helping the club push on to the next level.

Leeds also have a few decisions to make on certain players, as Marathe has admitted that there will be sales, and they seem to have made up their mind about Ao Tanaka.

Beren Cross dropped an update on Ao Tanaka

Ao Tanaka had a frustrating first half of the season, where an injury pushed him out of the team, and he was struggling to get on the pitch from the bench in the winter.

However, a few injuries led to his return to the team, and he started the last 9 games of the season, including a brilliant performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

In his Leeds United squad audit for The Athletic, Beren Cross insisted that Leeds are happy with their midfield options ahead of the summer window.

He conceded that while Leeds may consider a serious offer for Tanaka, the Japan midfielder is more likely to continue at Elland Road next season.

Cross wrote: “Started the last nine matches of the season, but without that run, Tanaka’s future would have been uncertain. Leeds are happy with their midfield cohort, and the Japan international, who will be at the World Cup, is a part of that.

“Significant offers may test United’s resolve, given how little Tanaka played for long periods of last season, but they are not looking to move him on.”

Leeds have no reason to sell him

The Whites have been looking at midfield reinforcements, but any arrival is only likely to happen if a midfielder leaves Elland Road this summer.

And Tanaka is unlikely to be the player who makes way for a new signing in the upcoming transfer window.

Towards the end of the season, the midfielder showed why he is loved by the fans with his energy and attacking instincts on the pitch.

Players such as Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev are more likely to be sold if Leeds decide to bring in midfield reinforcements in the summer window.

Tanaka is safe, and Leeds are unlikely to move him on unless they receive an offer that is too good to turn down.