Ao Tanaka, a summer transfer target for Leeds United, and Fortuna Dusseldorf have a “agreement” that allows Tanaka to depart in January.
The 25-year-old was reportedly approached by Leeds in August with an offer of £3.2 million, but a deal never happened because it fell short of the German club’s valuation.
Tanaka was anxious to move to Elland Road after Fortuna was demoted to Bundesliga 2, but Leeds wasn’t entirely sure he was the right addition.
Express now claims that Tanaka has been informed that Fortuna will not obstruct his January departure as long as they receive an offer that matches their asking price.
While Leeds was unable to provide the Japan international with top-tier football during the summer, the Championship is a better league than Bundesliga 2. The international player is eager to join a team that can offer him that kind of football.
Since joining Leeds in the late summer, Kamara has really made an impact, but Gruev is still holding out for a legitimate chance to start in the starting lineup.
Leeds probably won’t come back for Tanaka.
Rather, Leeds signed Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen and Glen Kamara from Rangers in late deals, which has all but put a stop to their interest in Tanaka.
Since arriving at Leeds in the late window, Kamara has really made an impact, but Gruev is still waiting for the right opportunity in the starting XI.
Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray are also fighting for a midfield spot, making those two half of an amazing array of options available to Daniel Farke.
Tanaka will have to look elsewhere because it is highly likely that Leeds will not rekindle their interest in a deal for him in January.
In 14 German second division games so far this season, he has four goals and one assist. Given his performance for Japan, he might also have no trouble finding suitors.
