Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the West Yorkshire club.
Ao Tanala is on the wishlist of Union Berlin, FC Schalke 04, and Hannover 96, according to a report by TEAMtalk. The Japanese midfielder has not had ample game time this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Premier League outfit are willing to sanction his departure.
Tanaka has started just seven Premier League games this season, and he needs to play more often at this stage of his career. The opportunity to return to Germany could be an attractive opportunity for the player, especially if he is provided with regular game time.
Ao Tanaka is wanted by German clubs
Union Berlin are fighting for a place in the top half of the table this season, and the opportunity to join them will be exciting for the Leeds United midfielder. He will be able to compete at a high level with them and perhaps play more often. However, the report has suggested that Union Berlin only hold tentative interest in the Leeds United midfielder.
On the other hand, Schalke and Hannover 96 are vying for promotion to the top flight. They will need better players at their disposal if they return to the Bundesliga in the summer. It is no surprise that they are keen on the 27-year-old Japanese International. He could prove to be a useful addition, and he will help them tighten up defensively.
Tanaka needs more game time
Ao Tanaka will be determined to secure more game time in the coming months, and it would be ideal for him to hold showdown talks with Leeds United regarding his future. If the Whites are unable to provide him with regular opportunities, it would make sense for him to explore a potential exit in the summer.
Daniel Farke seems to prefer Ilia Gruev as his first-choice defensive midfielder, and it could be difficult for Tanaka to break into the starting lineup regularly. However, recent reports have claimed that the West Yorkshire outfit have no interest in parting ways with the 27-year-old this summer.
The Japanese midfielder has played for Fortuna Dusseldorf from 2021 to 2024. He has extensive experience in German football and could adapt quickly and make an immediate impact if he joins any of the aforementioned clubs. Tanaka has a contract with Leeds United until 2028, and they could recoup a fair bit of money from his departure.