The gossip mill is in full swing, with Leeds United linked with a slew of new players ahead of the summer transfer window, including one who has changed agents amid allegations of interest.
To comply with Financial Fairplay guidelines, the 49ers must sell off a number of key players this summer. However, those players will need to be replaced at Leeds while maintaining a respectable profit.
Archie Gray and Ilia Gruev are two players associated to the escape door. Last season, the duo were brilliant for The Whites, with teenaged Gray playing on the right side of Daniel Farke’s defense.
While Leeds will not want to lose Gruev or Gray, every player has a price this summer, and the Whites may require central midfielders when the 2024-25 Championship season begins.
Ao Tanaka, a Leeds target, has changed agents amid ties to Elland Road.
Last summer, Leeds made a £3.2 million deal for 25-year-old Japanese sensation Ao Tanaka, but it was turned down by second-tier German club Dusseldorf. Leeds have revived their interest in Tanaka, and Everton is also interested.
This time around, things are different. Tanaka is desperate to leave after Dusseldorf missed out on promotion to the top division in the play-offs, and Tanaka’s club is desperate to sell to raise much-needed funds.
According to the Rheinische Post, “leader” Tanaka has changed agencies following his links with Leeds. From CAA Base to Sports 360, which has high-profile clients such as Toni Kroos and Julian Nagelsmann.
Tanaka compared to England’s Euro 2024 standout, Jude Bellingham.
All eyes will be on Bellingham this evening when England face Denmark in their second encounter of Euro 2024. A win secures England’s participation in the last 16, giving them a fantastic chance to finish first in the group.
The Bundesliga’s official website likened Tanaka to Bellingham. Certainly, the Real Madrid player and Leeds target Tanaka share the potential to make an impact on both ends of the pitch.
The Bundesliga’s official website likened Tanaka to Bellingham. Certainly, the Real Madrid player and Leeds target Tanaka share the potential to make an impact on both ends of the pitch.
“Tanaka goes box-to-box and is emerging as an on-field leader similar to Jude Bellingham. He cleans up from deep, averaging nearly nine tackles won per Bundesliga 2 game in 2022/23, and surges forward whenever feasible.”
