Leeds United are closing in on their seventh summer signing and a deal could be completed in the “next few hours” according to a report from Europe on Wednesday evening.
Following Georginio Rutter’s £40m move to Brighton, a record transfer for the Seagulls, Daniel Farke made it clear that Leeds needed four new signings and so far, The Whites have managed two arrivals.
Largie Ramazani has arrived for £10m as a replacement for Crysencio Summerville while Leeds have agreed a dry loan with Tottenham for Manor Solomon, who comes in for Rutter given his versatility.
Despite those two new additions, Leeds are still expected to make one or two signings before the window slams shut on Friday evening at 11pm. A midfielder, and a full-back, are priorities for The Whites.
Leeds closing in on £2.65m deal for Japan star Ao Tanaka
Leeds are set to activate the bargain £2.65m release clause in Tanaka’s contract at Dusseldorf. The Japan star has been regularly linked with Leeds over the past year and now, it looks as if he’s set for Yorkshire.
Graeme Bailey has told Leeds United News that those at Elland Road are confident of securing a deal for Tanaka. Reports on Tuesday evening made it clear that Tanaka is keen on a move to the Yorkshire side.
Now, German newspaper Rheinsche Post say ‘many indications’ suggest that Tanaka will complete a move to Leeds in the ‘next few hours’. It looks like Leeds will sort their midfield issue with a deal for Tanaka.
Leeds getting Tanaka for £550,000 less than last summer’s bid
Tanaka is a player with 27 Japan caps, a player that has captained his country. But a player that has only ever played in the top tier of Japan, albeit winning the league three times, and Germany’s Bundesliga 2.
Last summer, Leeds saw a £3.2m bid rejected for Tanaka. Dusseldorf wanted more but this summer, he has a release clause that allows him to go for £550,000 less than the club’s original offer back in 2023.
Ultimately, Leeds are buying a player with incredible work rate, solid technique and an eye for goal. A player that can play in both boxes and while he may not start, he provides some much-needed cover.
If Tanaka signs, he will be Leeds’ seventh summer signing. He arrive after Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, Ramazani and Solomon, with more expected in the closing hours of the window.
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