Leeds United have announced their first signing of deadline day in the form of midfielder Ao Tanaka, with the Japan star signing a four-year deal and he’s already commented on the club’s supporters.
Daniel Farke identified the need for two new attacking players, a full-back and a goalscoring midfielder after the sale of Georginio Rutter to Brighton and so far, three of those four deals have been announced.
Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani arrived as the two attacking options, while 27-time Japan player Tanaka has now arrived as some much-needed cover in the middle of the park on a four-year contract.
He is the first of at least two signings expected at Elland Road on deadline day, with the possibility of a third arriving in an attacking area though there is a pessimism regarding a deal to sign Roland Sallai.
Tanaka shares what he’s already heard about Leeds fans
Despite his three J-League titles, his form in Germany’s second tier and his eight goals in 27 Japan caps, Leeds have managed sign Tanaka for a bargain £3.4m given his Dusseldorf contract was ending next June.
That gave Leeds the chance to strike a cheap deal for Tanaka and lure him to Elland Road. Speaking to LUTV in his first interview, Tanaka shared what he has already been told and has heard about Leeds fans.
“Everyone says Leeds fans are amazing and the stadium atmosphere is amazing, so I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing supporters. I want to win in the stadium with so many supporters,” Tanaka claimed.
Daniel Farke now has a few selection headaches in midfield
So far this season, Farke has combined Ilia Gruev with Ethan Ampadu. Rothwell has provided cover while one-time Wales star Charlie Crew is yet to make his debut but the teenager has enormous potential.
Who starts in midfield? Well Farke has wanted a midfielder able to score goals and Gruev has shown he struggles to do that, so once he gets up to speed there is every chance Tanaka starts with Ampadu.
But Farke now has five options for the middle of the park. Ampadu will always start in midfield for The Whites so it is whoever Farke thinks is right to partner him and Tanaka has every chance to break in.
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