Ao Tanaka signs for Leeds United — Leedsunited.com 30/8/24

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Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Ao Tanaka, who joins in a permanent deal from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The Japanese international has signed a four-year-deal at Elland Road, becoming the club’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window.

Bringing experience from his time playing in the 2. Bundesliga, Tanaka has also played 27 times for his national team.

He represented his country at the 2020 Olympic Games, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored the winning goal against Spain to send his nation into the knock-out stages of the competition.

The 25-year-old began his career with Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League, before securing a move to Germany with Fortuna Dusseldorf in June 2021. He initially joined on loan, before making the deal permanent the following year.

A versatile and energetic midfielder, Tanaka can operate across all areas in the middle of the pitch, including both attacking and defensive positions when required to do so.

After amassing close to 100 appearances throughout his time in Dusseldorf, Tanaka also had a keen eye for goal. The 2023/24 campaign was his most productive for club and country, where he scored 13 times in 42 matches across all competitions.

He now makes the move to Elland Road, further strengthening manager Daniel Farke’s midfield options.

Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Ao the club and he will wear the number 22 shirt at Elland Road.

The 25-year-old has earned 27 caps for Japan, starring for the Samurai Blue at the 2020 Olympics and 2022 FIFA World Cup, which involved scoring a winner against Spain to help his side progress to the knock-out stages.

After putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Elland Road, Tanaka says he is delighted to have joined the club.

“I am so excited and I am so happy to be here,” the new signing exclusively told LUTV.

“I can control the game and make the assists and goals. I want to help the team.

“Of course, we want to go to the Premier League which is why I came here so I want to make a contribution for the team.

“Everyone says Leeds fans are amazing and the stadium atmosphere is amazing, so I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing supporters.

“I want to win in the stadium with so many supporters!”

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