Ao Tanaka is one of the most technically gifted players in Leeds United’s squad; there is no doubting that. But Daniel Farke is likely to be growing frustrated at one mistake he keeps making.
The Japan star is capable of moments of brilliance. His goal against Chelsea, his last-minute strike in the 3-3 draw against Liverpool, and even his performance for Japan against Sweden at the 2026 World Cup.
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Scott Brown and Chris Sutton were in awe of Tanaka as he dictated the tempo during a 1-1 draw in the group stages. This is clearly a player with the quality and capability of doing it on the biggest stage.
But it is also a player who has lapses in concentration. Often, Tanaka gets caught on the ball, and it leads to a counterattack. During the promotion run-in, he lost the ball away at both Luton and Middlesbrough.
Daniel Farke’s frustration with Ao Tanaka is growing
Beren Cross reported this week on The Athletic’s website that Daniel Farke was not a happy manager when the ball was lost in midfield, leaving the back line vulnerable. Tanaka is often the guilty party.
Typically, it is the kind of error that Tanaka made that eventually saw Japan knocked out of the World Cup. With the scoreline against Brazil reading 1-1, Tanaka conceded possession, and Gabriel Martinelli scored.
Farke will have been worried by that mistake. Japanese media defended Tanaka, as did Japan legend Keisuke Honda. But it is a part of Tanaka’s game that Farke has seen a lot more often than Japanese fans.
Proven, in the early hours of Sunday morning. With Leeds and Wrexham drawing 2-2, it was Tanaka who lost the ball in the middle of the park, allowing Sam Smith to drive forward and score a superb winner.
To most, it was a rare error, a lapse in concentration in what was a pre-season friendly in hot conditions with Tanaka having had little rest. To Farke, it is another example on a growing list that concerns him.
Ao Tanaka’s future at Leeds United is in doubt this summer
Leeds fans will be well aware that Tanaka considered leaving Elland Road in January after a lack of game time, but that did not come to pass. Ultimately, despite a bit-part role, Tanaka had a good season.
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But that has not swayed the midfielder, or Leeds – or even Farke. Reports have suggested this summer that Tanaka could leave with German clubs interested. A bargain fee of just £8m has been suggested.
Leeds may well decide to cash in on Tanaka or Ilia Gruev if they sign a midfielder, with Shea Charles a person of interest. But if the money on the table is a meagre £8m, then Leeds simply cannot accept.
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