Tanaka, Wright
(Credit: Imago/Ian Wright YT)
Josh Edwards
Tue 27 May 2025 21:10, UK
Ian Wright is already expecting Leeds United to struggle to keep hold of one of their key players.
Up until pre-season gets underway, Leeds will have their sights fully fixated on the decisions to be made in the summer transfer window, as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Recruitment at Elland Road is going to play a deciding role in the success they can find next season, as will their ability to retain the services of those already at the club.
However, Wright is expecting the Whites to find it hard to keep one of their Championship regulars, and it shows a complete disregard for Leeds.
Daniel Farke will be looking to prove a point in the Premier League with Leeds (Credit: Imago)
Wright moots Ao Tanaka exit months before season starts
Leeds United are a massive club, and anyone to have any interest in English football will echo those sentiments, though Wright seems to have forgotten that.
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The former England international said, via the Kelly and Wright Show: “If [Tanaka] plays how he’s played this season for Leeds in the Premier League, he won’t be there long,” suggesting that the Whites would just fold under any form of transfer pressure, and to put it straight, it’s quite disrespectful.
Tanaka stats 2024/25 Championship
Appearances 43
Goals 5
Assists 2
Tanaka was excellent in the Championship.
While Leeds may struggle at times next season, they have the reputation and financial backing to thrive, and to suggest that Tanaka would be off if he starts well just doesn’t sit right.
The Japanese international had a remarkable campaign in the Championship, and if he can even get close to replicating those levels of performance, Leeds have a player on their hands.
Tanaka is a talented midfielder (Credit: Imago)
Daniel Farke needs to retain Leeds spine
Incomings are needed at Elland Road, there is no doubt about that. However, keeping those who have got you to the Premier League is often just as important.
Daniel Farke needs to be backed with quality signings, but keeping the likes of Tanaka will be vital to their hopes of avoiding the drop back into the Championship.
This summer promises to be a busy one for the Whites, who will maintain full belief that they can break the trend of promoted teams back to the Premier League.
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