Ao Tanaka could push for Leeds United exit this summer

Japanese international Ao Tanaka could end up parting ways with Leeds United this summer, amidst exit links.

Ao Tanaka hasn’t had a prominent role at Leeds United this season. He is frustrated by the lack of game time, and according to a report from Football Insider, the Japanese international could end up pushing for an exit this summer in search of a more prominent role.

Since he is currently way down the pecking order under Daniel Fark, he is likely to try to find a new club ahead of next season, if his situation doesn’t improve in the final few fixtures of the ongoing campaign.

After making a name for himself at German second division club Fortuna Düsseldorf, Tanaka made the move to Leeds in the summer of 2024. He had quite an impressive debut campaign. The 35-cap Japanese midfielder featured in 43 Championship games. He contributed towards seven goals and played a massive part in their promotion to the top flight.

While he expected to have a similar role this season as well, the 27-year-old has gone down the pecking order under Farke. He has only been involved in 24 games across competitions and has racked up just over 1,000 minutes.

Tanaka looks set to leave Leeds this summer

His ability to feature anywhere in midfield did come in handy last season, but he has been more of a backup option for them since their promotion. The Japanese midfielder isn’t pleased with his situation, and he has been extensively linked with a move away.

The 27-year-old could end up pushing for an exit this summer. While he has put those exit plans on hold for now and is fully focused on helping his club survive in the top flight, Tanaka is very likely to look for a move away once the season comes to an end.

Since he has entered the prime years of his career, he is unlikely to continue at the Yorkshire-based outfit as a backup option. Leeds already have Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, and if they survive the drop, the competition for places will only increase.