According to the British media outlet HITC, Leeds United has spent €4 million to sign Japanese international Ao Tanaka. The midfielder, who played for Fortuna Düsseldorf last season, is also set to fly to the UK for a medical.
Ao Tanaka is 25 years old and has represented the Japanese national team in 27 matches. He is included in the latest squad list of the Japanese national team and will participate in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. He transferred to the German league in 2021 and performed outstandingly during his three-year stint there. Last season, he scored 8 goals for Fortuna Düsseldorf, setting a new personal best record.
Leeds United still hopes to make an impact in the Premier League this season. After selling several players, the club has ample funds and also aims to build a stronger squad. They had already started paying attention to this Japanese international during the summer transfer window of 2023.
Notably, in 2022, the Bundesliga website even compared Ao Tanaka to Jude Bellingham: “Ao Tanaka plays between the attacking and defensive midfield positions; he can be a leader on the field, much like Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund. His shots are very powerful, which is one of his greatest strengths.”
UK Media: Leeds United Signs Japanese International Ao Tanaka for €4 Million, Once Compared to Bellingham. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/uk-media-leeds-united-signs-japanese-international-ao-tanaka-for-e4-million-once-compared-to-bellingham.html
