Leeds United have no plans to sanction Ao Tanaka’s departure, according to the latest update from Football Insider’s transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke.
Despite lacking playing time in the Premier League recently, the Japan international remains an integral part of Daniel Farke’s side.
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Pete O’Rourke talks about Aoi Tanaka’s future at Leeds United
Manager Pete O’Rourke emphasized that although he has not been established in the starting lineup recently, the possibility of him leaving is not zero.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, he said:
“It will be an interesting game. I still think he has a role to play at Leeds.”
“He’s obviously been on the bench for the last six Premier League games. Leeds have Stach, Ampadu and Guluev in midfield and are sticking to this starting eleven at the moment.”
“He’s clearly struggled for minutes in recent weeks, but he’s still made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
“I don’t think Leeds are going to get rid of him now. He’s still an important player for the club and I’m sure he’ll remain that way until the end of the season.”
Midfield competition and tactical changes
Aoi Tanaka made a good impression at the beginning of the season, but due to a combination of a prolonged injury and a slight decline in her form, she lost her place in the starting lineup.
The situation was further complicated by Daniel Falke’s tactical evolution.
To solidify his midfield, Farke has pivoted to a stronger trio of Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Ilya Guluev.
This system provides Leeds with the defensive stability they lacked at the start of the season, making it difficult for Tanaka to reintegrate into the team.
| competition | played | begins | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| premier league | 20 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| total | twenty two | 9 | 3 | 0 |
Leeds are fighting to stay in the Premier League, but it remains to be seen how their final position will affect their summer transfer plans.
However, for now, it is thought that the club will retain the Japanese international.
