The assessment on Ao Tanaka’s transfer fee was shared by those who saw him before Leeds United moved.

Those who observed Ao Tanaka before his Elland Road move have referred to his move to Leeds United as a “bargain,” according to The Athletic.

The news site said on September 5th, 2023, that the Whites had considered Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara in place of the former Fortuna Dusseldorf ace during the 2023–2024 summer window.

The article also states that Tanaka was signed for a reported sum of about £3 million, which, when the sale of Kamara is included, makes the trade appear even more advantageous.

“Last summer, Leeds made a bid for Tanaka with Fortuna Dusseldorf, but when it was rejected, they chose to go after fellow midfielders Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev,” Nancy Froston reported.

After Kamara was sold to Rennes in France, they ultimately acquired him a year later for a reported sum of about £3 million ($3.9 million), which some who had followed him frequently thought was a great deal.

Leeds United has made significant changes to their midfield.

Even though Leeds has been aware of the Japan international for some time, the Whites’ supporters may still find him to be quite the surprise. This season, West Yorkshire has made changes to their midfield, adding Tanaka and Joe Rothwell [Graham Smyth, July 11] in place of Archie Gray and Kamara.

Tanaka may learn from Rothwell, who has a lot of experience competing at the championship level, and become an even better player.

Two other players in Daniel Farke’s squad that might be deployed in the middle of Leeds’ midfield are Ethan Ampadu and Charlie Crew. Tanaka adds consistency to the midfield and is a consistent starter for his country.

Although it’s early in the process, the 25-year-old has unmatched skill, and if he can fulfill the promise he has showed, he might easily end up as one of the Whites’ summer acquisitions.

In other Leeds-related news, Carlton Palmer expressed his shock at Patrick Bamford’s decision to stay at Elland Road over the summer.