Leeds United have been connected with a number of German-based players this summer, mostly due to Daniel Farke’s influence, and one on the Elland Road radar is available for just £2 million.
After losing Glen Kamara, Leeds are looking for a midfielder who can play alongside Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev in the middle of the pitch while also contributing to the Leeds attack.
Kamara is dependable, consistent, and always available, but he played more like a number six than a box-to-box alternative. His £8.5 million departure to Rennes, combined with Archie Gray’s £40 million transfer to Tottenham, leaves a hole.
Dejan Ljubicic, Koln’s Austrian star, is currently being connected with Leeds, with the latter reportedly making an approach. But that was rejected, and while Leeds is anticipated to return, another’s price has dropped.
Leeds have been linked with Bundesliga 2 side’s Japanese star
Leeds United have been linked with a Japanese player, Ao Tanaka, who was previously associated with the club last summer. Tanaka, described as a “leader,” is in his final year with Dusseldorf.
Tanaka has been frequently changing agents, with an exit planned. However, Rheinsche Post has provided an update on Tanaka’s future with the second-tier club after they failed to achieve promotion through the play-offs.
According to the source, Dusseldorf is still open to Tanaka’s exit and will do so for £2 million. It comes amid rumors that Leeds had been told to bid £3 million, but Dusseldorf is also willing to extend the Japan star’s contract.
Leeds make an offer for Ljubicic, but Tanaka is a good fit for Farke’s role.
Tanaka, like Jude Bellingham, is known for his lung-busting stamina, which allows him to move between boxes and have an effect in both. Tanaka can play as a 6, 8, or even a 10. He can score goals.
Indeed, despite the fact that Leeds have demonstrated in recent weeks that Germany’s second division is not particularly strong, Tanaka assisted on 12 goals last season. At £2 million, he is a relatively low-risk summer addition.
An international with versatility and the ability to find the back of the net from deep. What’s not to like? As things stand, he could stay in Dusseldorf, but the transfer window is still open for another five weeks.
