‘Not only his decision’: Manager of player Leeds bid for this summer refuses to rule out future transfer

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Fortuna Dusseldorf manager Daniel Thioune is unsure how much longer Leeds United target Ao Tanaka will remain at the club.

Thioune was speaking in an interview with Rheinische Post, where he was quizzed on the future of Tanaka after he failed to secure a transfer in the summer.

Leeds were among the sides who made an offer for Tanaka during the window but were unable to get a deal over the line.

As per Bild, Leeds’ bid was around the £3.2 million mark for Tanaka, who was handed the captain’s armband for Japan during the international break after scoring in a 4-1 win over Germany.

However, as per Sky in Germany, Leeds were ‘not totally convinced’ on a deal for Tanaka and instead brought in both Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev in the final week of the window.

Fortuna Dusseldorf manager unsure on Tanaka future amid Leeds interest

It seems unlikely Leeds will revisit their interest in January with Daniel Farke now looking well stocked in midfield, though Fortuna manager Thioune still remains unsure what the future holds for him.

He said: “He is here. How long he is going to stay here is probably not only his decision. Otherwise, he might have moved on. I am happy [he stayed].”

Fortuna Dusseldorf sporting director Klaus Allofs has already admitted in an interview with Bild that Tanaka was desperate to leave following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season.

Tanaka was keen to move to a new club where his national team chances would not be affected with Japan one of the most emerging football nations in the world.

As mentioned, it appears almost certain that Leeds will not return for Tanaka in January unless they are met with some sort of injury crisis, meaning he may have to hold out for a move elsewhere.