Towards the end of the last window, we covered claims from Germany that Leeds United had tabled an offer to sign Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Ao Tanaka.
The Whites weren’t able to get the deal over the line and ended up signing Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen. After a failed move to Leeds, the 25-year-old has made nine appearances and shown ‘horror performances’ this season.
That’s according to SportBild, who say the midfielder has become a ‘mega problem’ for the second division German club. Their manager, Daniel Thioune, keeps trying and is determined to help the Japan international regain his best form.
Thioune’s task isn’t made easy because the report says the player is giving the impression that he’s not interested in Fortuna Düsseldorf after failing to find a new club.
Leeds United and VfB Stuttgart were the two clubs that came forward to sign him in the summer, and with regards to Daniel Farke’s side, it’s claimed they ‘expressed interest in an email’.
SportBild explain Fortuna Düsseldorf wanted €3m for Tanaka and their bosses were ‘surprised at how little’ his agent tried to get a move for him.
The Japanese has a contract lasting until 2025 and will have to start performing well if he retains hope of finding a new club in January.
