Graham Smyth shares what he’s heard about Ao Tanaka’s move to Leeds ahead of deadline day

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Leeds United are set to complete the signing of Ao Tanaka from German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on deadline day and Graham Smyth has shared what he’s heard in a late-night update.

The 25-year-old has long been linked with a move to Leeds and with The Whites desperate to bring in some midfield depth before the deadline, Leeds have agreed a deal to sign Tanaka for a fee of £3.4m.

A 27-time Japan star, Tanaka has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Dusseldorf who failed to gain promotion to Germany’s top tier last season, falling at the final hurdle like Leeds in the play-offs.

The sales of Archie Gray and Glen Kamara have left Leeds light in the middle of the park, with only Joe Rothwell signed on loan. Leeds wanted a midfielder able to score goals from deep and in comes Tanaka.

• READ MORE: We speak to Japan football expert Dan Orlowitz to get the lowdown on Tanaka

Graham Smyth says Leeds deal to sign Tanaka ‘sounds done’

Compared to Jude Bellingham and described as a “leader” by the Bundesliga’s official website, Leeds are set to announce the addition of Tanaka on Friday with the player present at Thorp Arch on Thursday.

A medical is done with Leeds taking advantage of Tanaka’s contractual situation in Germany to land the star for a bargain £3.4m. Smyth said on X last night that a deal to sign Tanaka now “sounds done”.

“Leeds’ Ao Tanaka deal to be announced tomorrow but sounds done. Isaac Schmidt to fly over in the morning. Then we’ll see if they can deliver anything else to finish a difficult window on a real high note.”

Tanaka’s controversial World Cup goal and header vs Germany

While Tanaka might not have played at a higher level than Japan’s J-League or the second tier of Bundesliga football, he has starred on the international stage with eight goals in 27 caps for his country.

One of those eight goals came in Qatar as Japan stunned the world by beating Spain 2-1. A goal that got the footballing world talking, as Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma somehow kept the ball in play to set up Tanaka.

A winner against Spain on World Cup duty is quite the career highlight, as was his brilliant header against Germany in a shock 4-1 friendly win at the start of last season. Both goals can be watched here.