Leeds United did well to swerve a £2.6m agreement following “horror” performances – View

In the summer, Leeds United contacted Fortuna Dusseldorf about the availability of Ao Tanaka, but instead chose to boost their midfield with Ilia Gruev.

The 49ers needed to deliver across the board to give Daniel Farke an opportunity at Leeds this season, and they delivered.

Midfield was a major issue to address as all three important regulars from 22/23 left the club, leaving just teenagers.

Why did Leeds not sign Ao Tanaka?

Prior to investing £5 million to sign Bulgaria international Ilia Gruev from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, Leeds were tempted to sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The Japan international was extensively linked with a move to Elland Road, but instead stayed in the 2. Bundesliga, where SportBild claims it’s a surprise he’s still there.

According to their account, club executives were surprised that his agent did not press him harder to depart, as the Whites posed the question:

“Tanaka is already in his third season at Fortuna in this class, which gives him plenty of time to get used to the handling.” But, in his situation, it appears to be a matter of will – hence the urge in the summer. The Fortuna executives were even more startled by how little his consultant attempted to transmit. Stuttgart knocked, but was then replaced by Angelo Stiller (22/Hoffenheim). In an email, Leeds United indicated interest, but preferred Ilia Gruev (23/Werder).”

Have Leeds gotten lucky?
Leeds appear to have done well to avoid this deal, despite the fact that a transfer for Tanaka would have cost half as much as one for Gruev, coming in at £2.6 million instead of the number 44’s £2.6 million.

That’s because the report’s main problem with Tanaka is his lack of desire to perform well for his current club, with “horror” performances being how his season is now going.

Dusseldorf is hoping that a call-up to Japan would provide him the impetus he needs to reclaim his best form and earn his club some money through a transfer in the near future.

Leeds, on the other hand, are aware that they may have done well to avoid a player who appears to be significantly lacking in dedication right now.