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An insight into how Leeds United’s hierarchy feels about star man Ao Tanaka has been provided, as well as an update on his future beyond 2024/25.
Ao Tanaka arrived at Elland Road in August 2024, signing from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf for around £4m.
The player has since gone on to enjoy a prolific spell with Leeds United as they look to put right their collapse in 2023/24 and finally win promotion to the Premier League.
The Whites are top of the Championship currently, boasting a much better goal difference than their closest promotion rivals.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 38 | 23 | 11 | 4 | 76 | 25 | 51 | 80 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 38 | 25 | 7 | 6 | 53 | 28 | 25 | 80 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 38 | 21 | 15 | 2 | 52 | 11 | 41 | 78 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 38 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 55 | 37 | 18 | 69 |
| 5 |  CoventryCoventry | 38 | 17 | 8 | 13 | 55 | 48 | 7 | 59 |
Their summer addition has been instrumental to their vast improvement this season, with one pundit even claiming Tanaka is one of the best Championship signings made by any club for some time.
The 26-year-old has made 35 league appearances so far this term, posting some impressive stats.
| Ao Tanaka | Championship stats |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes played | 2,669 |
| Pass accuracy | 89.9% |
| Chances created | 27 |
Fans think Tanaka should be the Championship Player of the Season, but Leeds are already backing the midfielder to improve even more.
Ao Tanaka future update as Leeds United’s opinion revealed
Speaking exclusively to EFL Analysis, Graeme Bailey was asked if Leeds should be worried about keeping hold of Tanaka even if they get promoted.
He revealed that while the Whites should not be concerned about losing the player if they go up, there could be an issue if they fail to secure a place in the Premier League.
He said: “I don’t believe so, but there is that caveat, if they get promoted – if they didn’t go up then yes they should be worried but if not I don’t see an issue.
“I am told that Tanaka came to Leeds to play in the Premier League and that remains his target.”
Interestingly, Bailey also shared an insight into what the Leeds hierarchy think about Tanaka.
He added: “I have also heard that Leeds internally think he will be even better in the top-flight. He is a top-class operator.”
What Ao Tanaka’s agent has said about Leeds United
While Leeds fans will be desperate to keep hold of Tanaka, it does seem very likely that the player is destined for the Premier League.
Speaking in November 2024, the player’s agent revealed the reason his client opted to choose the Whites, as per Leeds Live.
He said: “Leeds United explained the project very precisely to Ao Tanaka. Daniel Farke showed him that he was the type of player Leeds needed.
“And Leeds, conversely, offers him an optimal platform for development. This is also shown by a look at the data. I have to give Farke a lot of praise. He recognised exactly what abilities Ao has and how he needs to use them.”
Interestingly, the agent also backed Tanka to play Premier League football.
He added: “He can be good for a possession team that wants to play neat football with his style.
“Many observers may soon be asking themselves why he is only playing in the second division. I’m firmly convinced that he can make it in the Premier League.”