Leeds United will be looking to strengthen their squad but might be looking over their shoulder at possible departures.
Of course, when a team gets promoted to the Premier League, other clubs might take a fond interest in their assets, which have gotten them there.
There hasn’t been too much recent speculation about key players leaving, but Pascal Struijk has been of interest to Tottenham previously.
With Spurs in the Champions League, Struijk could be tempted if Tottenham make a move for the Dutchman again.
That’s just an example, but Ian Wright thinks Leeds genuinely have a player who could leave on one condition.
Ian Wright can see Ao Tanaka leaving Leeds United
With Leeds back in the Premier League, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they could lose their better players.
Wright is concerned for Leeds next season as the pundit can see how the gap between the Premier League and the Championship will play its part.
Despite this, the former Arsenal striker clearly thinks they have a Premier League-level talent in Ao Tanaka.
Tanaka, who was in the running for Leeds’ signing of the season, has been an incredible piece of business for Daniel Farke’s side, and Wright is a big fan.
Speaking to The Kelly & Wrighty Show, the pundit was asked who he believes will be one to watch next season, and claimed if Tanaka is on it like the Championship, he won’t be around for long at Elland Road.
“He’s not even a kid, but I’m going to go with Tanaka at Leeds,” Wright said.
“Their number six, if he plays how he’s played this season for Leeds in the Premier League, he won’t be there long.
“I’m not trying to get him sold, he’s fantastic, he’s one to look out for, Tanaka.”
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Premier League clubs will take inspiration from Leeds’ Tanaka signing
The Japanese international has been sensational in every aspect since arriving from Fortuna Dusseldorf for just £3m.
With this deal considered, the 49ers and Farke will be hoping to replicate Tanaka’s arrival with their transfer strategy this summer.
Declan Rice labelled Tanaka ‘unbelievable’, and with Wright’s claim alongside this, the 26-year-old is getting plenty of traction.
| Tanaka’s statistics in the Championship for Leeds | |
| Games played | 43 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Fouls won | 49 |
| Duels won | 194 |
| Tackles won per 90 | 1.49 |
| Pass accuracy % | 89.9% |
Whether this is a good thing or not, other clubs will see this praise and potentially look to use the inspiration that Farke and the board deserve credit for.
Leeds fans will want to see Tanaka succeed in the Premier League, but don’t be surprised if clubs come snooping.
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