**Leeds United Near Deal for Dusseldorf’s Ao Tanaka as Transfer Deadline Approaches**
Leeds United are on the verge of finalizing a transfer for Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka, with the Japan international arriving for a medical today, according to exclusive information from Dharmesh Sheth on GIVEMESPORT.
Following their failure to secure Premier League promotion, Leeds have seen several key players depart during the summer transfer window, leaving manager Daniel Farke with limited options for the upcoming season. However, the 49ers are active in the final 48 hours of the transfer window and have now reached an agreement to sign Bundesliga 2 standout Tanaka for a reported fee of around £3.3 million, including performance-related add-ons.
Tanaka is set for a medical at Leeds today. Sheth reported, “Ao Tanaka, the Japan international, is flying over today for a medical with Leeds. The deal, valued at around 4 million euros, seems likely to go through. He comes from Fortuna Dusseldorf and has earned 28 caps for Japan, scoring eight goals.”
The midfield has undergone significant changes this summer, with Archie Gray moving to Tottenham for approximately £40 million, and Glen Kamara transferring to Rennes for £8.6 million. Joe Rothwell joined on loan from Bournemouth, while Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev remain at Elland Road. Despite these additions, Farke sought further reinforcement, which the club has now secured in the form of Tanaka.
In addition to Tanaka, Leeds were interested in Bournemouth’s Philip Billing, but faced competition from Championship clubs like Sheffield United and Burnley. However, Billing has reportedly made it clear that he does not wish to drop down to the Championship, according to The Mirror journalist David Anderson.
Leeds have already bolstered their squad with permanent signings of Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, and Largie Ramazani, and loan acquisitions of Manor Solomon and Rothwell. They have replaced several departing players, including Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Charlie Cresswell, with new additions.
