Because Stuttgart has signed a replacement and moved on, the “World Cup hero” may be set for Elland Road and “could move to England in the next few days” before the transfer deadline.
This summer, Daniel Farke already acquired Ethan Ampadu for his midfield, and Rangers have made a bid for Glen Kamara [Fabrizio Romano, 27 August].
However, it appears the manager of the German Whites is looking for another option from this home country, but this time in the second division, after the pursuit of Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen collapsed.
To be fair to the Leeds United management, they appear to be making an attempt now to make up for the fans’ extremely unpleasant summer.
Due to relegation release clauses, Farke has had to deal with a number of players departing his squad while the club was helpless to stop them.
He has had to select incomplete substitutes benches in the first few games of the season due to an injury crisis, as well as the absence of Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra as they looked to quit the team.
There isn’t much time left, but the mood was significantly different as the Whites secured their first league victory of the year at Ipswich on Saturday thanks to an offensive blitz including new high-priced striker Joel Piroe and the two previously wanted-away wingers in the starting lineup.
Many possible late acquisitions, like Kamara, Amiri, Joseph Paintsil, and now Tanaka, have had money put on the table.
Although getting them over the finish line has already proven to be more difficult said than done, and the team undoubtedly needs at least one more central midfielder, it appears promise for the Japanese international.
He has only played in Bundesliga 2 since returning to Europe from Kawasaki Frontale, but with 15 international appearances under his belt and goals in two World Cup games last winter, he might be in position to provide Elland Road’s middle some much-needed reinforcements.
