Club had ‘no choice’ but sell player to Leeds United – Whites ‘surprise’ was key

On Saturday, Ao Tanaka made his debut for Leeds United, a day after arriving at Elland Road from Fortuna Düsseldorf.

The second division German club have been criticised for letting him join Leeds. Bild claim they ‘had no choice’ but to sanction a move and explain the reasons for that.

Tanaka had less than a year left on his deal at Fortuna Düsseldorf. They made a counter-offer of €4m when the Whites initially offered €2.5m.

Bild claim Fortuna had no intention of selling the 25-year-old and weren’t expecting Leeds to return with an improved bid.

The Championship side’s initial bid arrived on Tuesday, the same day when Tanaka refused to train. Fortuna indicated he was unable to train due to fitness concerns. The report says this suggestion could be dismissed, considering he featured for Leeds at the weekend.

It was clear the Japan international wanted to join Daniel Farke’s side. Had he stayed, the German club would have found it difficult to renew his contract.

There was another decisive factor that forced Fortuna to sanction a sale. Leeds returned with an improved bid, and this was a ‘surprise’ for their German counterpart who had convinced themselves that wasn’t on the agenda.

Bild claim Leeds have agreed to pay €3.5m plus €500,000 bonuses. Therefore, Tanaka’s ‘transfer was unavoidable’ for his former club.