Ao Tanaka 22 of Leeds United at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leeds United, Daniel Farke smiling in inset.
Credit: Imago
Cameron Smith
Thu 9 April 2026 6:47, UK
Ao Tanaka is reportedly ready to leave Leeds United over the summer.
This comes from a report via Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reports that a potential fee of around £8.7million would be required for his services.
Tanaka has fallen somewhat out of favour under Daniel Farke this term, limited to just 765 minutes of Premier League football in total.
Despite this, the 27-year-old has still impressed when given the chance, and remains a fan favourite at Elland Road.
Though boss Farke may have forced his hand when it comes to a potential move, with no real prospect of substantial game time in the Whites’ midfield moving forward.
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Destination mooted as Ao Tanaka prepares for potential Leeds exit
Joining the club from 2. Bundesliga outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf in the summer of 2024, Tanaka would become a regular as Leeds took the Championship by storm last term – missing just the three matches prior to his arrival late in the transfer window.
Though, his importance at Elland Road has dropped this season, with the Japanese midfielder struggling to build up form during inconsistent game time.
Stats 2024-25 2025-26
Games (starts) 43 (37) 21 (7)
Minutes played 3316 763
Duels won 55.1% 44%
Tackles per 90 2.52 2.01
FotMob rating 7.43 6.69
Tanaka’s league stats in 2024-25 and 2025-26
In the report detailing a potential exit, Plettenberg outlined that Tanaka is favouring a move to the Premier League – far from a surprise given the fact that he has not had a real chance to prove himself in the division.
Though German outfit SC Freiburg are also mentioned as an interested suitor.
🚨🆕 Ao #Tanaka is open to leaving Leeds this summer. He is currently leaning towards a move within the Premier League. Freiburg are also interested, although they are not his priority.
If #LUFC are willing to let him go, a potential fee could be in the region of €10-12m.… pic.twitter.com/sqNs06xKW6
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 8, 2026
View Tweet
Die Breisgauer sit eighth in the Bundesliga, and have reached Europe in three of the last four seasons.
Julian Schuster’s side are preparing for a Europa League quarter-final against Celta Vigo this week, and may see Tanaka as a crucial cog as the Black Forest club look to further climb the standings domestically.
Ao Tanaka remains a fan-favourite at Leeds United
When it comes to a potential exit, a return to Germany would likely be the most favourable outcome for Leeds fans.
After not being given too much of a chance in the top flight, the worst nightmare for supporters would be to see him perform elsewhere in the division.
When called upon, Tanaka has been superb, with his attitude matching.
Ao Tanaka in the Premier League for Leeds United this season
Credit: Imago
For some reason or another, Whites’ boss Farke simply has not fancied the 27-year-old since the club’s ascent, making it far from surprising that an exit is on the cards.
Though, fans of the Elland Road side will be desperate to see him make a move back to the Bundesliga, simply due to how heartbreaking it would be to see him succeed on these shores.