With the transfer window shutting on Monday night, Leeds United can now fully shift their focus to a vital clash with Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
Leeds decided against making any credible moves for players on deadline day despite getting linked to a few strikers and attacking midfielders on Monday.
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Facundo Buonanotte’s loan arrival from Brighton earlier in the window remains Leeds’ sole January signing, and the club were happy to sit back on deadline day.
Attention now returns to on-field matters, with Friday night’s meeting against Nottingham Forest shaping up as a key fixture that could have significant consequences for both clubs’ Premier League survival ambitions.
However, Anton Stach’s injury has thrown a big selection dilemma at Daniel Farke, who may end up alienating an important player if he doesn’t make the starting eleven.
Ao Tanaka needs to be in the Leeds starting eleven on Friday night
Tanaka has not started a Premier League game since the 1-1 draw against Sunderland towards the end of December, and was an unused substitute against Arsenal last weekend.
With Stach injured and Ilia Gruev looking poor against Arsenal, there is a big chance that Tanaka and Longstaff return to the line-up on Friday night.
However, Daniel Farke has often slanted towards being more solid in midfield, and it would not be a surprise if Ampadu is joined by Longstaff and Gruev against Forest.
But that would be an injustice towards Tanaka, who has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to start a Premier League game again.
With Leeds playing at home, it would make no sense for them to be too defensive by playing Ampadu, Gruev and Longstaff in the middle of the park.
This is the game for Tanaka to come in and be more positive on the ball as Leeds look to win all three points against their relegation rivals at Elland Road.
Tanaka will question his future at Leeds if he doesn’t start on Friday night
Ao Tanaka was one of the first names on the Leeds team sheet last season and was probably the Championship’s best midfielder. He was in the team at the start of the Premier League season, but a knee injury set him back.
The Japan international is struggling to get into the team as Farke opts for defensive safety over adventure in the middle of the park this season.
Ao Tanaka’s Leeds United Performances This Season (2025/26)
Competition Games Goals Minutes
Premier League 20 2 743
FA Cup 1 1 90
Total 21 3 833
However, Leeds need to be more attacking at home against a team such as Forest, and this could be the perfect game for Tanaka to come into the team.
If he is not playing in the starting eleven on Friday, he has every reason to wonder when he will get his next chance in the team.
Farke is in danger of alienating a key player of his squad if Tanaka is not part of the eleven when the teams are announced on Friday night.