Nancy Froston believes Leeds United’s summer recruit Ao Tanaka has “superstar potential” and will attract new eyes to Elland Road.
According to Froston’s account in The Athletic [5 September], the midfielder, a “poster boy” of Japanese football, did not come to Leeds by chance and can bring a new and welcome dynamism to the team.
Tanaka’s prominence in his birthplace as a high-end brand model and prospective successor to the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata and Keisuke Honda has prompted a fresh look at Daniel Farke’s side.
Tanaka joined the club late in the transfer window from Fortuna Dusseldorf and made his debut against Hull City this weekend.
Froston stated: “Leeds have bought far more than just a superb midfielder, with Tanaka’s arrival providing commercial prospects for both the club and the player.
“He is regarded as one of the poster boys of Japanese football, which will shed new light on Leeds’ prospects.
“Cool, devoted, and with superstar potential, Tanaka is not your typical Leeds acquisition, and the player’s decision to move to Elland Road was no accident. Both have high expectations for this season.
Ao Tanaka’s Leeds United cult hero potential
Tanaka’s move to Leeds could prove to be a stroke of genius; he is a highly exciting player to bring in, especially in the Championship.
The 27-cap Japan international was coveted in the Premier League and had started the season as a consistent starter in Fortuna’s midfield.
Some believe Tanaka will eventually move Ilia Gruev out of Farke’s starting XI, a headache the manager is not used to given his small roster.
It remains to be seen if the 25-year-old will become a cult figure or a footballing hero, as the two have different definitions, and his importance on the field may outweigh his commercial prospects off it.
As with all Japanese internationals, his arrival brings with it a new fanbase, which might be a valuable opportunity to grow the club’s brand in a country that values global football.
