Leeds United’s move for Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka could be about to collapse as fears grow the player could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
That’s according to Rheinische Post and Express, who both cover the player today and how the planned move to Leeds could be set for disaster.
RP kick things off by stating that Tanaka was supposed to ‘flush millions’ into Fortuna’s coffers before the end of the transfer window, with Leeds happy to pay and take him away.
That was fine for the German side, where the money is ‘much needed’ so they can finalise strengthening their own squad.
They’re targeting a move for VfL Bochum’s Simon Zoller, but that deal can only be done if Tanaka is moved before the end of the window.
His departure is ‘conceivable’ but there was ‘horror’ as the player went down with an injury in training today following an ‘unlucky’ blow from a teammate Felix Klaus.
The Japanese international was seen to immediately grab his right leg, collapse to the ground and was instantly attended to by the coaches near him. A little latter he ‘hobbled’ into the dressing room, with his knee bandaged up and a cause of great concern.
Express add their own stance, stating that Tanaka’s departure was ‘practically a done deal’ and his move to Leeds was ‘on the home stretch’.
Then the player went down in training and there were ‘great concerns’ regarding the injury, which they fear could cause a ‘faltering’ in his move to Elland Road.
An exact diagnosis of the problem hasn’t yet been done but investigations ‘should bring clarification’ soon. In the meantime, sports board member Klaus Allofs insisted that “first impressions aren’t that bad” when asked on the matter.
Those comments could potentially give Leeds hope, with them currently following developments ‘very closely’ and hoping there’s not another transfer disaster waiting for them this week.
