To think, there were some at the end of the summer transfer window who wondered if Leeds United had really done enough in the market to make their dream return to the Premier League a reality.
In fact, the frustration was such that CEO Angus Kinnear felt the need to come out and address the concerns of fans directly via an appearance on the Square Ball podcast.
Leeds failed to bring in Emi Buendia and Gustavo Hamer from Aston Villa and Sheffield United respectively, but that was not for a lack of trying.
Kinnear explained that Buendia had reservations about dropping down to the Championship. As for Hamer, Sheffield United were ‘never going to sell’ their star midfielder to a direct title rival. A good decision, as it turned out; Chris Wilder’s Blades currently Leeds United’s closest challenges at the top of the table, albeit a gap widened to five points after a 3-1 win at Bramall Lane on Monday night.
Five months after Kinnear’s clear-the-air interview, however, history is starting to look back very fondly indeed on a transfer window which, at the time, left many at Elland Road cold.
Joe Rodon has been imperious alongside Jayden Bogle in Daniel Farke’s back four. Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon have added so much arriving on loan from Bournemouth and Tottenham.
Ao Tanaka, meanwhile, is rapidly emerging as one of the best pound-for-pound signings made by Leeds – nay, any Championship club – in recent memory.
Ao Tanaka ‘very happy’ at Leeds United as promotion looms
A £3 million central midfielder who, for the most part, has performed more like a £30 million central midfielder in West Yorkshire.
Tanaka is not only the man who makes Leeds tick in the centre of the park, he also sits in the top two for both tackles and interceptions while producing his fair share of contributions in the final third too.
Tanaka’s ingenious header to put Leeds ahead against Sheffield United in the 88th minute was not quite as spectacular as his efforts against Hull City or Sheffield Wednesday, but it could prove to be the goal which secured promotion in hindsight.
Tanaka, it appears, is quite a useful attacker when given half a chance.
So while football correspondent Graeme Bailey tells Leeds United News that extending his contract is not currently something the Championship leaders are rushing to do – the Japan international is tied down until 2028 – Tanaka could still rewarded with fresh terms befitting his contributions.
“[Tanaka] is not on low money. The players who get them up, they will be addressing that situation,” Bailey explains. “I don’t think Tanaka will be one of the first ones [in line for discussions over a new deal].
“I believe he is very happy at Leeds.”
Leeds have decisions to make on the likes of Junior Firpo and Illan Meslier
Leeds will first have to address the situations surrounding Rothwell and Solomon. Bournemouth reportedly want £7.5 million from Leeds – a hefty fee for a 30-year-old – while Solomon’s long-term future is also up in the air despite his interest in staying in West Yorkshire.
Junior Firpo is due to become a free-agent too amid reports of a return to Spain with Real Betis. Then there is the uncertainty surrounding Patrick Bamford, Max Wober and even Illan Meslier.
Leeds have identified Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as a potential replacement should they look to cash in on the divisive Frenchman.
Tanaka, meanwhile, has started every one of the club’s Championship matches so far in 2025 despite a packed schedule. In fact, he has been left out of Farke’s XI only once since the 1-1 draw with Norwich City all the way back on October 1st.
Farke feels Ao Tanaka has taken up Archie Gray’s mantle in the centre of the park, replicating the energy and passing range of Tottenham Hotspur’s £30 million wonderkid.
“To lead by example on the pitch with good performances is what we expected [from Tanaka],” Farke said recently. “A player like Archie Gray last season.
“Of course, Tanaka is not the biggest leader in terms of speaking but he plays a crucial role.”
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