A former Premier League CEO has weighed in on uncertainty surrounding Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka
Coventry City have been suggested as a potential destination for Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka.
The midfielder is an immensely popular figure at Elland Road, although has been afforded just eight starts in the Premier League this season.
The 27-year-old has, however, started each of Leeds’ last two games. He impressed in the FA Cup win over West Ham United before playing a key role as the Whites saw off Manchester United in the league.
Ao Tanaka helped Leeds United defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford.placeholder image
Ao Tanaka helped Leeds United defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford. | Carl Recine/Getty Images
Verdict on Ao Tanaka’s future
Keith Wyness, the former Aston Villa and Everton CEO, believes Tanaka could end up at a newly-promoted Premier League club if he moves on this summer. However, the Japan international has been tipped to stay at Elland Road.
Wyness told Football Insider: “Tanaka’s got some quality, that’s for sure. Now that Leeds are looking as though they’re safe, I think they’ll open up contract negotiations.
“Leeds will want to keep him. If Tanaka was to go anywhere, he would probably be going to one of the newly-promoted clubs. Coventry would be the one that I would place him at. And that may be something that his agent will be trying to keep Leeds honest in terms of the contract negotiations.
“But I think he’ll end up back at Leeds now after that win against Man United. That was quite an important sign for him and them. I think that we’ll expect to see Tanaka in the white shirt next year.”
Ao Tanaka has made just eight Premier League starts for Leeds United this season.placeholder image
Ao Tanaka has made just eight Premier League starts for Leeds United this season. | Steven Paston/PA Wire
Ao Tanaka’s struggle for minutes at Leeds United
Tanaka was linked with Leeds in the summer of 2023, when Daniel Farke was new to the Elland Road dugout. He eventually joined the club a year later, sealing a permanent switch from German outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf.
He was a crucial cog in the Leeds machine that clinched the Championship title last season, dazzling with his range of passing and combative side. However, competition in the heart of midfield has intensified this season.