Leeds United will announce the signing of Ao Tanaka on the final day of the transfer window, with a deal seemingly done according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported via X late on August 29 that the Japanese midfielder “sounds set” to join Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Daniel Farke said on the penultimate day that the Whites “definitely” still need a midfield option, but refused to make the draw specifically on Tanaka [Leeds Live, August 29].
The 25-year-old already underwent a medical at Thorp Arch on Thursday and is expected to sign a four-year contract [Sacha Tavolieri, 29 August].
Leeds United have swapped Glen Kamara for Daniel Farke
It is perhaps fitting that Glen Kamara was replaced so late in the window after the Finn himself came from Rangers last gasp a year ago.
He spent just one season at Elland Road before leaving for Rennes this summer, but left a void in midfield that was not filled by the loan signing of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth [Leeds Live, July 13].
Archie Gray may have spent most of last term at right-back, but a big exit from Tottenham also left Daniel Farke short in the middle, so Tanaka ensured that.
The Whites were interested in a move for the Japan international a year ago [PIC] before signing Kamara and Ilio Gruev, but they came back on him at the second attempt.
It looks set to be a very busy transfer day at Elland Road and the necessary replacements will need to be secured after losing so much again this summer.
But having come this far, it’s better late than never when all is said and done, and if the 49ers are already active in the final hours, there could be some additional arrivals.
In other Leeds United news, the potential high-profile signing has agreed personal terms to move to Elland Road, but the club may have fallen through on the deal.