Leeds transfer decision made clear for Ao Tanaka after he’s axed
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Leeds transfer decision made clear for Ao Tanaka after he’s axed Wed 4 March 2026 16:51, UK Ao Tanaka will surely push for a move away from Leeds United this summer after he was left on the bench for a sixth successive Premier League game against Sunderland in midweek.Tanaka was a key man for Leeds as they won promotion to the Premier League last season, with five goals and two assists in 43 Championship appearances.He was in and out of Daniel Farke’s side at the start of this term, then looked to have nailed down a place in the starting eleven in December after key goals against Chelsea and Liverpool.The Japan midfielder has struggled to make an impact in the league for the Whites ever since, however, with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Anton Stach preferred from the off in Farke’s new 3-4-2-1 formation.Leeds are set for a busy summer window, no matter the league they are in, with Tanaka surely set to push for a move away if he continues to struggle for minutes.Credit: Imago 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ao Tanaka’s barren run continued as he stayed on the bench vs SunderlandFarke admitted in December that Tanaka had possibly been suffering under a “bit too much pressure” to seamlessly step up to the Premier League after never previously playing in a top-flight league.He did at least start seven of the Whites’ first 18 games back in the big time, up to the turn of the year, and was a real asset off the bench to help them either defend leads or retain a point.Tanaka was last handed a Premier League starting berth by Farke on 14 December, however, and he has played just 63 minutes from the bench in league games so far in 2026.The Japan international’s failure to be sent on from the bench for the sixth successive league game against Sunderland on Tuesday must surely show what Farke thinks of his status in his squad right now.Tanaka needs to seriously assess his future at Elland Road, and should decide to leave if he continues to be left out by the Whites boss from now until the end of the campaign.Anton Stach’s future could dictate Tanaka’s next stepsThere is tough competition for places in Leeds’ midfield right now, with Stach a particular standout and the man who has effectively taken Tanaka’s spot in the eleven since joining from Hoffenheim last summer.He has registered four goals and three assists in 24 top-flight matches this season, and is fourth among every player in the division for chances created, with 52.The German midfielder has been linked away from Elland Road, but sources have told Football Insider that Leeds are determined to keep Stach beyond this summer.If he does depart, then a spot in Farke’s team could open up for Tanaka ahead of next season, but if not, then he may well be better off seeking an exit. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.