“Leeds United Edge Out Celtic in Transfer Battle for Japanese Star Ao Tanaka”
Celtic reportedly missed out on signing another Japanese international this summer. Ao Tanaka completed a transfer to Leeds United after previously impressing at Kawasaki Frontale and with Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany. On transfer deadline day, he signed a four-year contract with Leeds United, who compete in the English Championship.
August 30th was a busy day for Celtic as they secured the signings of Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, and Luke McCowan. However, Tanaka was one of the players they were reportedly interested in bringing to the club during the summer.
Before joining the Japanese national team, Tanaka made his Leeds United debut in a home victory against Hull City. The Athletic reported that Celtic had pursued him, but he chose Leeds despite the Scottish club offering him the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
It was noted: “Tanaka has a clear goal of playing in the Champions League. Despite opportunities to join Celtic, Midtjylland (who are in this season’s Europa League), or Como in Italy’s Serie A, Leeds was seen as the best move for his career.”
Dusseldorf’s sporting director, Klaus Allofs, explained that selling Tanaka wasn’t their original plan. He said, “We exceeded our sporting goals and didn’t need to sell Tanaka, as we had already achieved the transfer surplus we aimed for. However, we had to balance our finances carefully, and without Tanaka’s sale, we wouldn’t have been able to strengthen all the necessary positions.”