🚨 Ao Tanaka Concern Emerges at Leeds as His Future Comes Under Fresh Scrutiny

Leeds United fans could have been forgiven for thinking the questions surrounding Ao Tanaka’s future had finally disappeared.

After all, the Japan international fought his way back into the spotlight during the second half of last season, turning what had been a difficult period into a genuine comeback story at Elland Road.

But now, just when things appeared to be settled, Tanaka’s future is once again becoming a talking point — and this time, his pre-season performances are at the centre of the debate.

The 27-year-old was an important figure for Leeds during the latter stages of the 2025-26 campaign. His memorable goal against West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-final, followed by a run of nine consecutive starts, appeared to silence much of the speculation surrounding his place in Daniel Farke’s plans.

For a player whose position at Leeds had previously been questioned, it looked like the beginning of a fresh chapter.

However, the latest discussion suggests the situation may not be quite as straightforward as Leeds supporters hoped.

👀 “THIS IS A WORRY…”

Tanaka has featured during Leeds’ pre-season preparations and even managed to provide an assist, but his overall displays have reportedly raised some eyebrows.

Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson gave the midfielder a 6/10 rating for his pre-season performances, with the suggestion that Tanaka could potentially be dealing with what has been described as a “World Cup hangover.”

That assessment has inevitably reopened the conversation about the midfielder.

And with the new season approaching, Leeds now face an interesting decision over one of their midfield options.

The concern isn’t necessarily that Tanaka has suddenly become a bad player. Far from it.

His performances during the second half of last season demonstrated exactly what he can bring to the team when he finds rhythm and confidence.

The problem is whether Leeds believe that version of Tanaka is still the player they can rely on going forward.

🔥 TANAKA HAD ALREADY TURNED THINGS AROUND

There was a time last season when Tanaka’s position at Leeds looked uncertain.

Questions were being asked about his future, his role and whether he would remain an important part of Farke’s plans.

Then came the FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham.

Tanaka’s goal proved to be a major moment in Leeds’ campaign, with Farke’s side eventually progressing after a dramatic penalty shootout.

From there, the midfielder’s fortunes appeared to change.

He started nine consecutive matches, and suddenly the conversation surrounding his future became much quieter.

It looked as though Tanaka had answered his critics on the pitch.

That makes the latest concern particularly intriguing.

💥 SHOULD LEEDS ACCEPT AN OFFER?

This is where the situation becomes particularly interesting for Leeds supporters.

If an attractive offer arrives for Tanaka, should the club seriously consider selling him?

That is the argument being put forward by Football Insider, with the outlet suggesting Leeds should accept an offer if the right proposal comes in.

But there is another side to the debate.

Tanaka has already shown that he can recover from a difficult spell.

His second-half resurgence last season is evidence that writing him off too quickly could prove to be a mistake.

Leeds therefore have a genuine decision to make.

Do they trust the player who helped turn his fortunes around last season?

Or do they look at his current situation and decide that the timing could be right to cash in?

👀 LEEDS FANS WILL BE WATCHING CLOSELY

For supporters, this is unlikely to be a decision they take lightly.

Tanaka has already experienced the highs and lows of life at Elland Road. His resurgence last season earned him another opportunity, and his performances showed why Leeds invested in him in the first place.

But football moves quickly.

Pre-season can change perceptions, transfer interest can emerge and one strong or poor run of performances can completely alter a player’s situation.

For now, there is no indication that Leeds have simply decided to push Tanaka out of the club.

Instead, his pre-season displays have reignited questions that many thought had already been put to bed.

And that is why the coming weeks could be crucial.

If Tanaka returns to the form that made him an important part of Leeds’ team during the second half of last season, this entire conversation could disappear again.

But if the concerns continue, the pressure on Leeds to make a decision could increase.

One thing is certain: Ao Tanaka’s Leeds story may not be as settled as it appeared just a few weeks ago.

And with the new season getting closer, Leeds fans will be watching every performance very carefully.