On summer deadline day, Ao Tanaka arrived at Leeds United from Fortuna Düsseldorf on a permanent transfer.
The Japan international’s agent, Marijo Knez, has been speaking to Fussball News on several topics, including about players not managed by him or his agency, CAA Base.
He represents the Leeds player, and towards the end, the representative was asked about the midfielder, who made 14 league appearances, including 10 starts for Leeds.
Tanaka spent two years at the second division German club before arriving at Elland Road. During the 26-year-old’s time at Fortuna Düsseldorf, he was regularly linked with a move to the Bundesliga, before he opted for Daniel Farke’s side.
When the agent was asked about his client’s decision to pick the Championship side, he opened up about the manager’s important role in this operation.
“Leeds United explained the project very precisely to Ao Tanaka. Daniel Farke showed him that he was the type of player Leeds needed,” he said.
“And Leeds, conversely, offers him an optimal platform for development. This is also shown by a look at the data. I have to give Farke a lot of praise. He recognised exactly what abilities Ao has and how he needs to use them.”
“That doesn’t mean that German clubs haven’t recognised this potential. But a move to a Bundesliga club didn’t work out for various reasons.”
Tanaka has signed a contract until 2028 with the Whites. When the agent was asked if his client is ready for the Premier League, Knez explained: “I assume so. He can be good for a possession team that wants to play neat football with his style.”
“Many observers may soon be asking themselves why he is only playing in the second division. I’m firmly convinced that he can make it in the Premier League.”
Leeds are currently second in the Championship table, trailing leaders Sheffield United by three points. Farke’s side can regain the top spot if they win their game in hand and are in contention to return to the top division.
