Ao Tanaka (28, Leeds United), whose position at Leeds United had been shaken, has now emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United.
British outlets TeamTalk and Football365 highlighted Tanaka's future on the 17th and 18th (Korea time). The main point is one: Manchester United are showing interest in Tanaka, who is increasingly likely to leave Leeds.
In particular, Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick is reported to personally want Tanaka. Tanaka left a strong impression in the recent 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. In midfield, alongside captain Ethan Ampadu, he completely dominated Manchester United's Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Tanaka almost scored in that match. He sought a goal for the second consecutive game but was stopped by Lisandro Martínez's thrown-body block. Still, Carrick is said to have been deeply impressed by Tanaka's work rate, pressing and ball-winning ability.
It's not just Manchester United. Newcastle United and Everton are also monitoring Tanaka. All three clubs want midfield options who can contribute immediately without a large transfer fee. Tanaka has already adapted to the rough tempo and pressing of the English game. From the Premier League clubs' perspective, he is a low-risk option.
Tanaka is also reported to be open to a move. He joined Leeds in the summer of 2024 from Fortuna Düsseldorf for about 2.9 million pounds (about 5.8 billion won), but he has rarely gotten opportunities this season. Under manager Daniel Parke, he made only eight Premier League starts.
With insufficient playing time, Tanaka wants a transfer this summer. It is also clear that he prefers to remain in England rather than return to Germany. Freiburg and Union Berlin have already shown interest, and Schalke 04 and Hannover 96, who could be promoted, are watching the situation. Tanaka's options are tilting toward the Premier League.
Leeds is also in a dilemma. Leeds initially thought it could sell Tanaka for about 15 million pounds (about 29.8 billion won). With his contract running until 2028, they believed they could secure a transfer fee at an appropriate time.
Tanaka was a key player who led Leeds' return to the Premier League last season. Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka grew after making his professional debut at Kawasaki Frontale, recording 94 appearances, 10 goals and 9 assists. After moving to Düsseldorf, he played as a key player and helped lead them to the Bundesliga promotion playoffs, though they unfortunately fell short.
He moved to Leeds in the 2024-2025 season, making 43 appearances with 5 goals and 2 assists, leading the championship title and promotion, and was named team of the year and club player of the year. With Leeds' promotion to the Premier League, he became the fifth Japanese Premier League player after Domiyasu Takehiro, Mitoma Kaoru, Endo Wataru and Kamada Daichi.
Signed from Fortuna Düsseldorf for about 2.9 million pounds (about 5.8 billion won), he was praised as a 'cost-effective signing' and made his presence felt in midfield.
The turnaround came in the Manchester United match. Tanaka's performance was striking. Leeds began to reconsider. They are also examining the option of offering Tanaka a new contract.
Manager Parke also publicly defended Tanaka. He said, "I am very satisfied with his recent performances. Every player has ups and downs. Tanaka has also criticized himself a lot," and added, "There was much doubt when we brought him from the German second division. As it was his first season challenging the top level, time was needed for adaptation and consistency."
He continued, "There has been a lot of criticism, but if he plays like he did against Manchester United, that's enough. Tanaka is a very important player for us."
Leeds are targeting a striker, a second-line player and a left-footed center back who can also play left back this summer. Because squad reinforcement is needed, the possibility remains that they will sell Tanaka to raise transfer funds.
Ultimately, Tanaka's future has become one of the hottest variables this summer. The Japan national team has stated that its goal for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America is "winning the tournament." Tanaka is aiming to play in the World Cup. With securing consistent playing time expected to be his top priority, let's watch what choice he makes.
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