Leeds United’s move for Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka may be on the verge of failure, as suspicions mount that the player will be forced to retire.
That’s according to the Rheinische Post and Express, who both cover the player today and how his intended move to Leeds could backfire.
Tanaka was intended to ‘pump millions’ into Fortuna’s coffers before the end of the transfer window, with Leeds willing to pay and take him away, according to RP.
That was good for the German team, where the money is’ much required’ to complete their own squad strengthening.
They want to sign Simon Zoller from VfL Bochum, but that can only happen if Tanaka is moved before the transfer window closes.
His departure is ‘conceivable,’ but there is ‘horror,’ as the player suffered an injury in training today as a result of a ‘unlucky’ blow from teammate Felix Klaus.
The Japanese international was seen immediately grabbing his right leg, collapsing to the ground, and being treated to by coaches nearby. Later, he ‘hobbled’ into the dressing room, his knee bandaged and causing much worry.
Tanaka‘s exit was “practically a done deal,” according to Express, and his move to Leeds was “on the home stretch.”
The midfielder then went down in training, causing ‘huge anxiety’ about the injury, which they think may cause a ‘faltering’ in his move to Elland Road.
The actual cause of the problem has not yet been determined, but investigations’should bring clarification’ soon. Meanwhile, sports board member Klaus Allofs claimed that “first impressions aren’t that bad” when asked about the situation.
Those remarks could give Leeds hope, since they are currently monitoring developments’ very closely’ and hoping for another transfer disaster this week.
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