The 25-year-old is rumoured to be at Thorp Arch after flying in from Germany to finalise a four-year contract. Leeds will pay Dusseldorf £3.4 million to retain the Japan star through June 2028.
Before moving to Leeds, Tanaka is probably going to have a physical. The Whites are finally adding a midfield player after their bids for Dejan Ljubicic and Gustavo Hamer were turned down.
Before moving to Europe, 27-time Japan star Tanaka won three league titles in his native country. Tanaka has not yet surpassed the second division of German football, but he now has the opportunity to excel at Leeds in England.
Dan Orlowitz discusses what Leeds supporters may anticipate from Tanaka.
Leeds United News spoke with Dan Orlowitz, a former Japan Times football specialist, on Tanaka’s skill set and why it is “surprising” that it has taken him this long to merit a bigger move.
“A box-to-box central midfield player who is strong on the attack and adept at stopping the opposition’s attack and winning possession for his club. Someone has the ability to lead an attack and irritate defences.
Even capable of hitting a few hits himself from time to time. Since joining Dusseldorf in 2021, he has been really important, so it’s surprising that it’s taken him this long to find a step up.
Orlowitz told Leeds United News, “He’s definitely too good for the 2.Bundesliga. He was one of the surprise omissions of the Asian Cup earlier this year, which I’m sure fuelled a desire for a move.”
Tanaka has a lot of work ahead of him, even though Leeds is still just in the Championship. However, wins over Hannover and Schalke in the preseason have shown that Leeds is a step up from the second tier of German football.
However, Orlowitz informed us that Tanaka is a steal for Leeds at under £3.4 million, and he is optimistic the midfield player can both play well for Leeds in 2024–2025 and withstand the toughness of the Championship.
At £3.4 million, it’s an excellent deal. He has the physicality and maturity for it, so I believe he’s ready. He will undoubtedly face pressure from the supporters and other factors at a team like Leeds, but they can feel secure.
Leeds is acquiring a player who has excelled both for Japan and in Europe, in contrast to other EFL teams that have recruited younger players from Japan. Tanaka made a natural and well-deserved move.
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