Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka puts his hand over his mouth, next to a concerned-looking Daniel Farke
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Aheed Abrar
Thu 16 April 2026 10:40, UK
Ao Tanaka may be a doubt for Leeds United against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.
YEP journalist Graham Smyth saw a look of “shocked horror” on the Japan international’s face when Sean Longstaff tried to make him celebrate the Whites’ win over Manchester United with the travelling supporters.
The midfielder seemed to have hurt his foot at Old Trafford and was replaced by Ilia Gruev in the 74th minute of the 2-1 victory.
With Anton Stach sidelined at Elland Road, the former Fortuna Dusseldorf star put in a brilliant shift against the Red Devils, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available to face Wolves at Elland Road on 18 April.
Daniel Farke may be without Tanaka and the German manager could potentially have to make another change to his engine room against Rob Edwards’ team.
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Leeds United have won 30 of the 49 matches that Ao Tanaka has started, the best win ratio of any player in the club's history (61.2%).
They've only lost six of those 49 games, also the lowest loss percentage of any player (12.2%). #lufc pic.twitter.com/FLKp48macw
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) April 13, 2026
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Daniel Farke has major dilemma to replace Ao Tanaka vs Wolves
If Tanaka indeed isn’t fit enough to start against Wolves, Gruev and Sean Longstaff are the two obvious solutions for Farke.
The Bulgaria international had a purple patch midway through the season but has found game time hard to come by after a massive dip in form.
As for Longstaff, he was a key player for the German manager at the start of the campaign, but the former Newcastle United midfielder has fallen down the pecking order since his injury.
Statistics vs Man United Ao Tanaka
Minutes played 74
xG 0.59
xA 0.52
Passing accuracy 42/50 (84%)
Accurate crosses 6/6
Key passes 4
Carries 11
Defensive contributions 6
Ground duels won 3/4
Tanaka’s record in win vs Man United, as per Sofascore
It will be interesting to see who Farke believes has the qualities to complement Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park and replicate what the Japan international did at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast on 15 April, Smyth said, “A bit concerned about Tanaka. He was pointing to his foot before he came off at Old Trafford. He didn’t look altogether comfortable. When they were celebrating at the end, he was kind of doing this odd, almost like he was pretending to be a crab, legs splayed, kind of putting pressure through his foot.
“And then, when I think it was Longstaff who tried to grab him and conscript him into the running wave to the fans, he had this look of shocked horror on his face. He was aghast and he was kind of basically saying, ‘No, I can’t,’ or ‘No, I don’t want to.’ So there’s definitely a question mark over him.”
Leeds United also face Ao Tanaka confusion at Elland Road
Tanaka was pivotal to Leeds’ success last season, but has become a bit-part player in the Premier League.
🚨🆕 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
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The Japanese ace got his first Premier League start after 13 games against Man United, highlighting his diminishing influence at Elland Road.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 27-year-old opt for a move away from the Whites in the upcoming transfer window for regular opportunities elsewhere.
Tanaka has been a loyal servant for the West Yorkshire outfit, but they may be faced with the prospect of having to sell him in the summer.