Leeds United eventually filled their midfield void with the deadline-day signing of Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf, but the Japan star was certainly not Leeds’ top target for that role.
Less than twenty-four hours after Leeds announced the arrival of the 27-time Japan star, Tanaka, 25, made his debut. He entered the game in the closing minutes of Leeds’ 2-0
victory over Hull City on Saturday at Elland Road as a substitute.
The Japanese celebrity’s presence has fans thrilled. Particularly considering that Tanaka has goals for his nation against Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. a
diligent, technically proficient player.
However, Daniel Farke was looking for a goal-scoring midfielder who could partner with players like captain Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev in holding midfield this season, therefore
Tanaka was not the first person Leeds tried to recruit.
Leeds made a bid to sign Dejan Ljubicic but he has stayed put
Leeds kept an eye on 26-year-old Ljubicic during the window. Leeds put out a proposal of £3.3 million for the Austrian star, but it fell well short of Koln’s £6 million asking price,
and no better offer was received.
Despite his contract expiring in 2025, he has had a strong start to 2024–25, with four goals and four assists in four games. Ljubicic doesn’t want to sign on, according to Christian
Keller, Koln’s sporting director, according to Geiss Blog.
“Dejo and I had an honest conversation about this at the start of preseason and more recently. As of right now, he wants to focus on the season and play football that he can play
once more.
Could Leeds still be interested in a move to sign Ljubicic?
Tanaka’s signing may indicate that Leeds is no longer as interested. However, Leeds’ interest is expected to persist if Ljubicic becomes available in January because Elland Road
does not have a no. 10 arrival.
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