Leeds United Urged to Cash in as Ao Tanaka ‘Hangover’ Becomes Evident

Leeds United could face a difficult transfer decision over Ao Tanaka before the summer window closes, with the midfielder’s recent pre-season displays creating fresh questions about his place in Daniel Farke’s squad.

The Japan international managed to change his situation completely during the second half of last season. At one stage, there were doubts over whether he would remain an important part of the team, but a strong run of performances pushed him back into Farke’s plans.

A major moment arrived during the Leeds United FA Cup run when Tanaka scored the opening goal against West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-final. Leeds eventually won the tie on penalties, and that performance helped the midfielder build momentum.

Tanaka then started nine matches in a row, showing why he could still be an important player at Leeds United Elland Road.

However, football can change quickly.

After representing Japan during the summer, the 27-year-old has returned for Leeds United pre-season without reaching the same level. His performances have now led to suggestions that Leeds could consider selling him if a suitable offer arrives.

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Ao Tanaka Leeds’ future back under the spotlight

The situation surrounding Ao Tanaka Leeds is unusual because his quality is not really in doubt.

When Tanaka is playing confidently, he can give Farke something different in midfield. He is comfortable receiving possession, can move the ball forward and is capable of making dangerous runs into attacking areas.

His goal in the FA Cup West Ham clash was an example of what he can offer when playing with confidence.

That performance helped change the direction of his season, and after earning nine consecutive starts, Tanaka appeared to have secured his position among the important Leeds players.

The concern now is whether he can quickly rediscover that form.

Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson rated Tanaka’s Premier League pre season campaign at 6/10 and suggested a possible “World Cup hangover” could explain why he has not looked completely sharp.

That explanation would make sense. Tanaka made two starts for Japan during the summer and also featured once from the bench.

Returning immediately to club football after a major international tournament can be difficult, particularly when players have had limited time to rest.

Writing him off based only on friendly matches would therefore be premature. However, Leeds also cannot ignore the competition developing around him.

Sean Longstaff puts pressure on Tanaka

One player’s difficult period can quickly create an opportunity for another, and Sean Longstaff appears determined to take advantage.

The former Newcastle United midfielder only started 10 Premier League matches last season, but he has been one of Leeds’ stronger performers during pre-season.

That creates an interesting selection problem for Farke.

Tanaka finished last season strongly enough to establish himself in the starting XI, but Longstaff’s performances mean his position cannot be guaranteed.

Leeds United’s next match will provide another opportunity for Farke to assess his midfield before competitive football begins, and every performance now carries greater importance.

Tanaka has still contributed during pre-season and has registered an assist, so his summer has not been a complete disappointment.

The bigger issue is that Leeds have become more competitive. Farke has more options, meaning players cannot rely on what they achieved several months ago to guarantee their places.

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Ao Tanaka key numbers and Leeds details

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Leeds could cash in, but selling Tanaka carries risk

There is a financial argument for considering a sale.

Tanaka’s current forensic value is listed at £8.6m, with a premium valuation of £10.8m. If another club offered strong money, Leeds would have to consider whether keeping him is more valuable than reinvesting the fee elsewhere.

The club have already shown a greater willingness to move unwanted players permanently this summer.

Isaac Schmidt and Max Wober have left after failing to establish themselves, while several other departures could follow.

Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Largie Ramazani are among those expected to leave before the deadline.

Joel Piroe also appears to be heading towards West Ham, while Willy Gnonto’s situation remains another one for Leeds fans to watch.

The difference is that Tanaka cannot simply be placed in the same category. He has already shown that he can play an important role for Leeds.

Selling him because of a few disappointing Premier League pre-season performances would be a gamble, particularly if fatigue following the World Cup is the main reason for his drop in form.

Leeds transfer business leaves Farke with stronger squad

Leeds have already made several significant additions. Harry Wilson has added proven attacking quality, Tarik Muharemovic has strengthened the defensive department and James Trafford has arrived to improve the goalkeeping position.

Those additions mean standards inside the squad are increasing. For Farke, that is exactly what he needs as Leeds prepare for another demanding campaign involving league football and Leeds United cup fixtures.

The number of Premier League cup games and league matches across a full season means squad depth remains important. Injuries, suspensions and poor form will inevitably create opportunities for different players.

That is why selling Tanaka should not be an automatic decision. His pre-season form has been below the standard he produced towards the end of last season, but there are reasonable explanations for that.

The next few weeks should provide a clearer answer. If Tanaka quickly returns to his best, Leeds would be keeping a midfielder who has already proved he can fight his way back into Farke’s team.

If his struggles continue and Longstaff moves further ahead of him, a strong transfer offer could become difficult to reject.

For now, Ao Tanaka’s Leeds future has unexpectedly become one of the more interesting decisions facing Farke before the window closes.

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