It is not a coincidence that Leeds United have been linked some top-tier players this week, on the back of the win over Preston and automatic promotion looking increasingly likely.
With promotion to the Premier League, Leeds will open up a higher calibre of player that they can sign. This week, Leeds have reportedly made contact with Gladbach captain Julian Weigl over a summer deal.
Reports say The 49ers want six major signings this summer if Leeds are promoted. With four games to play and five points separating Leeds from Sheffield United in third, The Whites need seven points.
That is if Sheffield United win all four of their remaining matches, including Easter Monday’s trip to Burnley. Unlikely then, given Chris Wilder’s side have lost three on the bounce and have “let it slip”.
Ao Tanaka loves who Leeds United are now trying to sign
Aside from Weigl, Leeds are also very interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Hidemasa Morita. The Japan star is about to enter the final year of his contract, with Morita boasting a £38.6m release clause in his contract.
But, Morita was only bought for £3.5m from Santa Clara and now 29, the Japan midfielder could be on the market for a cheap-ish price. Leeds are looking to take advantage and sign Ao Tanaka’s teammate.
After games against Australia and Saudi Arabia in October 2024 this season, Leeds star Tanaka told Japanese site SoccerKing that having watched Morita – he had a lot to learn and improve about his game.
“Personally, I have many issues to work on. When I watch players like Morita and [Wataru] Endo, I feel that there is still a lot I need to do and a lot of room to grow. I need to keep trying,” Tanaka said in 2024.
What Japanese media said about Ao Tanaka and Hidemasa Morita
In the most-recent international break, Tanaka played in matches against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The Leeds ace started against Bahrain with Tanaka seen as Japan’s third-choice midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 system.
Morita and Endo are the starting options, but Tanaka was presented with the chance to show that he could start ahead of the duo. But in the 0-0 draw between Saudi Arabia and Japan, Tanaka failed to shine.
Japanese media said about Tanaka: “He has expanded his range of play in England, this time it was not a foothold to break down the stronghold of the mature “Endo & Morita”. There is a clear order here.”
Not only does Tanaka think Morita is better than him, but so does the Japan footballing world. If Leeds can sign a midfielder better than Tanaka, then it will certainly bolster their chances of top-tier survival.
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