Wednesday morning brought Ao Tanaka back into the Leeds United transfer rumor mill, reigniting speculation about a potential move for the player during the upcoming 2023 summer transfer window. The Whites were reported to have made an offer for the talented midfielder, sparking hopes that a deal could be reached. However, uncertainty loomed over the exact asking price for Tanaka’s services.
Fortuna Düsseldorf made the surprising move to pull Tanaka out of training, a decision that was quickly clarified by the German media as being based on the club’s directive rather than the player’s desire for a transfer. This sudden development added fuel to the already buzzing rumor mill, with fans eagerly awaiting official confirmation of any potential transfer deal.
In a turn of events, Rheinische Post now suggests that there are numerous signs pointing towards Tanaka’s imminent transfer to Leeds United in the next few hours. This news has been met with mixed reactions, as some view the move as a stroke of luck for Fortuna, while others see it as a long-awaited opportunity to offload a player who has posed challenges in the past.
The German club has reportedly struggled to sell Tanaka in previous transfer windows due to a myriad of reasons, including his inconsistent performances, injury woes, and issues with his consulting agency. Despite the potential transfer being seen as a positive for Fortuna, the underlying tone of the reports implies a sense of relief at potentially finding a buyer for a player who has been a slow seller in the market.
While Fortuna may have been eager to part ways with Tanaka in the past, the pressure to sell him now to avoid losing him for free next year has likely played a significant role in the negotiations with Leeds United. The urgency to secure a transfer deal could work in Leeds’ favor, as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. However, the full extent of the deal and its implications are yet to be confirmed, leaving fans on the edge of their seats awaiting official announcements from both clubs.
