He's even better than Tanaka: Leeds pursuing move for "world-class" star
da cassino： It’s safe to say no Leeds United fan could have envisaged the impact midfielder Ao Tanaka would have had during his debut campaign at Elland Road.
da lvbet： The Japanese international joined the club in a £3.5m deal from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf, a transfer that now appears to be a bargain given his importance to Daniel Farke’s side.
He managed to register 43 appearances in the Championship during 2024/25, scoring five goals in the league, including one against Sheffield United, which was crucial in their promotion battle.
Such displays led to the 26-year-old being included in the Championship Team of the Season, being joined by teammates Jayden Bogle and Daniel James.
If the side are to secure survival in the Premier League next season, they will need to conduct shrewd business, with bargain deals needing to be replicated – just as it was for Tanaka 12 months ago.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, Leeds have already started work on numerous deals and are targeting various players across the globe.
James McAtee and Sean Longstaff are just two midfielders who have been touted with a switch to Yorkshire this summer, with their Premier League experience likely to be vital.
However, other targets have been on their radar, including Borussia Mönchengladbach star Julian Weigl, that’s according to a report in Germany, via Sport Witness.
The 29-year-old, who’s been a target in recent months, has once again appeared on their radar, with the report claiming that Farke is keen on a reunion after their stint in the Bundesliga together.
It also states that he may be lured to Elland Road by his compatriot with the opportunity to be a regular starter in their hunt for survival, said to be in any negotiations.
Why Leeds’ latest target could be even better than Tanaka
The chances of securing Premier League safety in 2025/26 will be a tough task for Farke’s men, that’s especially if recent seasons in the top-flight are anything to go by.
Each of the last six teams to reach the promised land have all suffered immediate returns to the Championship, such is the gap between the two divisions.
Such a feat highlights the need for crucial investment, prioritising quality over quantity to build on the impressive work conducted by the German in recent seasons.
Transfer target Weigl would certainly do just that, with the 29-year-old having key experience at the top level, as seen by his stint at Borussia Dortmund over a four-year period.
When comparing his stats to those of Tanaka from the current campaign, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting the quality he possesses.
How Julian Weigl compares to Ao Tanaka in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Weigl
Tanaka
Games played
33
43
Minutes played
2881
3584
Pass accuracy
90%
88%
% of tackles won
61%
50%
Blocks made
1.7
1.2
Interceptions made
1.5
1.4
Take-ons completed
88%
41%
Aerials won
67%
62%
Stats via FBref
The German, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Toni Kroos, has registered more passes completed this campaign, whilst completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he poses in possession.
He’s also managed to win more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst completing more interceptions – handing the Whites an added defensive presence in what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.
Weigl has also won more aerial duels, potentially posing a threat from set pieces, offering a different dimension as the club looks to buck the recent trend in the Premier League.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Mönchengladbach star would set the hierarchy back this summer, but from the stats he’s produced, he could prove to be a superb addition.
If he’s able to get anywhere near the levels produced by Tanaka in recent months, he will be an excellent option in the top flight and potentially provide the difference between safety and relegation.
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