Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka finished the season on a high note. Despite the arrivals of several new midfielders last summer that put his place in the side under threat, the Japanese international emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the campaign.
Following his outstanding performances in the Championship, many supporters considered Tanaka virtually untouchable heading into Leeds’ return to the Premier League.
However, his spot in the starting lineup was eventually taken by Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach. As a result, Tanaka spent several months on the sidelines, with Daniel Farke reluctant to alter a midfield combination that was performing well.
Longstaff’s injury opened the door for Ilia Gruev, who stepped in and impressed during his run in the team. It was only after Gruev suffered an injury of his own that Tanaka was handed another opportunity.
The midfielder made the most of his chance. During the closing months of the season, Tanaka delivered a series of excellent performances and reminded everyone why he deserves to be a regular starter next season.
Leeds United pause pursuit of midfielder
Ao Tanaka could yet be reunited with fellow Japanese international Hidemasa Morita at Elland Road next season. Morita was linked with a move to Leeds last year, but a transfer never came to fruition.
The experienced midfielder is expected to leave Sporting CP this summer after the expiration of his contract, making him available on a free transfer.
Leeds have reportedly emerged as his preferred destination, with Portuguese media strongly linking the player with a switch to Elland Road.
However, a fresh update suggests there may be complications. According to A Bola, negotiations between the two parties have progressed slowly, and no decisive breakthrough has been made regarding a potential agreement.
Morita is currently on holiday and evaluating his options, although a move to Leeds remains his preferred choice.
Club sources cast doubt on transfer links
When reports of Leeds’ interest first surfaced earlier this year, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth revealed that club sources were unaware of any potential deal.
The report also suggested that Leeds were not actively targeting players who fit Morita’s age profile or playing style, raising questions about claims from Portugal that a transfer was close to being completed.
The understanding from Elland Road was that the club were still finalising their recruitment plans for next season and expected much of their transfer business to take place after this summer’s World Cup.
As things stand, conflicting reports continue to emerge from England and Portugal. What remains certain, however, is that Hidemasa Morita is available as a free agent following his departure from Sporting CP.
