Leeds United have made their position entirely clear: Ao Tanaka is going nowhere this summer, even if he’s playing less under Daniel Farke. According to Pete O’Rourke on the Transfer Insider podcast, the club have no plans to let the 27-year-old Japanese international leave, despite his Premier League minutes drying up since the turn of the year. Tanaka racked up five goals and two assists in 43 Championship games last season, and his engine in the middle of the park proved central to Leeds securing promotion back to the top flight.
Ao Tanaka Staying Put: Leeds United Stand Firm Over Japan Midfielder’s Future
However, Farke’s move to a 3-4-2-1 system has squeezed him out, with Stach, Ampadu, and Gruev now making up the go-to midfield trio. Since January, Tanaka has only seen 63 minutes of league action from the bench, and he hasn’t featured in any of Leeds’ last six Premier League matches at all.
Even so, O’Rourke pointed out that the club still see him as a useful squad player who has a future at Elland Road. With 22 games under his belt this season and three goals to show for it, Tanaka hasn’t been a total ghost, but internal talk continues to focus on the gap between what he’s doing and what he’s actually capable of.
“It’ll be an interesting one. I still think he’s got a role to play for Leeds. He’s obviously been on the bench for the last six Premier League games. Leeds have got this starting eleven that they’re sticking with right now, with Stach, Ampadu and Gruev in midfield.”
“He’s obviously struggled for appearances in recent weeks, but has still made 22 appearances in all competitions and popped up with three goals. I don’t think Leeds would be pushing him out the door right now. He’s still an important squad player for the club, and I’m sure he will remain that until the end of the season as well.”
Does Farke Genuinely Need Tanaka, Or Is This A Situation That Simply Cannot Continue?
Here is the bottom line: Leeds are in a tough spot with Tanaka, and just keeping him on the bench until May doesn’t really help anyone. At 27, the Japan international is at the age where he needs to be playing every week for both his own growth and to maintain his market value. So, sitting largely unused through the final stretch of a Premier League season serves him poorly on both counts.
Farke’s 3-4-2-1 has given Leeds a much sturdier defence, and the trio of Stach, Ampadu, and Gruev brings a good mix of grit and skill. Tanaka offers something different; he’s quicker and looks to move the ball forward faster, but that specific profile currently fits nowhere neatly within the system.
Farke really needs to decide if a packed schedule or an injury in April is the right time to give Tanaka a real chance, rather than just throwing him a few minutes at the end of a game. Leeds United need real depth to stay in the top flight, so keeping him this summer is smart business, but just letting a player of his quality gather dust feels like a waste.
