Ao Tanaka has now emulated Chris Wood after Leeds United announcement

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Leeds United would not be in the Premier League without Ao Tanaka as his signing has arguably been the most important this season.

The Whites have landed a bargain with Tanaka as his £3.4m purchase should be a platform for the 49ers to build on this summer.

He’s been the inspiring figure after arriving from Fortuna Dusseldorf, and Leeds will do well to replicate their efforts in the Premier League.

They’re trying to do so with Hidemasa Morita who is available for £6.8m and is someone who Tanaka knows well.

But after the season he’s had, Morita will do well to emulate Tanaka who has got great news after a Leeds announcement.

Ao Tanaka emulates Chris Wood at Leeds United

The midfielder was an unkown figure when he arrived at Elland Road but Leeds fans took to him instantly.

There’s a debate that Ao Tanaka has been Leeds’ player of the season, and that’s what the squad believed to be true.

The Japan international was awarded with the Players’ Player of the Year and it’s clear to see why through his excellence this season.

The award means that Tanaka has now become the first non-European Leeds player to win the trophy since Chris Wood in 2017.

If Wood’s rise in football is anything to go by, Tanaka has all the ability to reach the same level.

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Leeds will have battle to keep Tanaka at Elland Road

With the 26-year-old’s fine displays for the Whites it wouldn’t be a surprise if other clubs came knocking for his signature.

Luckily for Leeds, Tanaka is contracted to the club till 2028, so a sizeable fee would have to tempt the 49ers to sell.

However, Stuart Dallas thinks Tanaka could exit Leeds, continuing the trend of players leaving after one brilliant season, like Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray.

Even though Leeds are having doubts about Tanaka, he certainly deserves his chance in the top flight, as he’s proven to be clear of Championship standard, and Daniel Farke will want to bat away any interest that emerges.