Ao Tanaka makes Premier League promotion claim in first Leeds United interview

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Leeds United have confirmed the signing of midfielder Ao Tanaka on deadline day and in his first interview with the club, he has made a claim about promoting to the Premier League.

Tanaka, 25, becomes Leeds‘ seventh summer signing after deals for Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon. Leeds needed a midfielder and a new full-back.

The Whites look set to sort those two holes on the final day of the window with deals for Japan player Tanaka, and then Swiss defender Isaac Schmidt before the deadline at 11pm later on on Friday evening.

Tanaka will wear the no.22 shirt at Leeds and has signed a four-year contract with Daniel Farke’s side, taking him through to June 2028. It is believed that Leeds have spent £3.4m to bring Tanaka to England.

• READ MORE: Deal for Schmidt could end up costing more than Wilfried Gnonto’s transfer

Tanaka makes Premier League promotion claim in Leeds interview

With Archie Gray and Glen Kamara leaving Leeds earlier this summer, The Whites had only brought in Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth as a replacement but now, Tanaka comes in to provide some depth.

Speaking in his first interview with LUTV in a short release of some quotes from the 27-time Japan star, Tanaka said that he’s joined Leeds because he wants to help Leeds win promotion to the Premier League.

“I can control the game and make the assists and goals. I want to help the team. Of course, we want to go to the Premier League which is why I came here so I want to make a contribution for the team,” he said.

What to expect from Tanaka? Dan Orlowitz gives us the lowdown

Most Leeds fans will already know, having watched a few clips on YouTube, that Tanaka is an energetic midfielder capable of having an impact in both boxes. Last season, the midfielder had a hand in 12 goals.

Leeds United News spoke to Japan football expert Orlowitz about the imminent signing of Tanaka, and below is a snippet of the information given regarding Tanaka with more here, by clicking this link.

“It’s a very good deal at £3.4m. I think he’s ready, he’s got the maturity and the physicality for it. Certainly at a club like Leeds there will be pressure on him from the fans and all that, but they can be confident.”