Sources confirm that Celtic maintained a strong interest in the 27-year-old, having pursued him before his move to Leeds in the summer of 2024. The Scottish giants were ready to reignite their chase if Leeds remained in the Championship.<\/p>\n
Tanaka, who joined Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf for \u00a33.4m, also attracted attention from beyond British shores. Several Bundesliga clubs were closely monitoring his situation, drawn by his dynamic midfield play and versatility.<\/p>\n
In the Premier League, both Bournemouth and Brentford kept tabs on the Japan international, eyeing a potential swoop if Leeds\u2019 promotion bid faltered. His performances in the Championship, where he showcased his ability to dictate tempo and contribute defensively, only heightened the interest.<\/p>\n
Leeds\u2019 successful promotion push proved pivotal. Sources indicate that Tanaka\u2019s commitment to the club was heavily tied to their return to the Premier League.<\/p>\n
Had Daniel Farke\u2019s side stumbled in their promotion pursuit, there is \u201clittle doubt\u201d Tanaka would have sought a move elsewhere, with Celtic and Bundesliga outfits ready to pounce. His decision to stay reflects confidence in Leeds\u2019 top-flight ambitions and Farke\u2019s project.<\/p>\n
DON\u2019T MISS<\/strong>\u00a0\u26aa\ud83d\udd35\ud83d\udfe1\u00a0Picking Farke\u2019s most potent front three at Leeds United: Free agent stars; best wingers named<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n What Tanaka said and why Leeds are not out the woods yet<\/strong><\/p>\n Having been asked by GOAL <\/a>about Leeds\u2019 promotion, Tanaka confirmed he could have departed had the Whites stumbled in the final weeks of the season.<\/p>\n After reporter,\u00a0Ryohei Hayashi, put to him: \u201cConsidering your future career, you must have been under a lot of pressure?\u201d<\/p>\n He said: \u201cYes, there was. Of course, there was also the view that if I was doing so well in the games, I could move up even if we weren\u2019t promoted. However, I was well aware that transferring isn\u2019t easy, so I was determined to get promoted.\u201d<\/p>\n Emphasising the size of Leeds United, he added: \u201cComing here really made me realize just how big a club Leeds is, which is why I wanted to get promoted.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t really understand it before I came here. Not even the history or the atmosphere of the stadium. But once I got here, I really realised that this is a club that has to be in the Premier League.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not often you get to play football at a club with such a history. It was my first time playing football at such a club, so I felt a sense of mission and responsibility.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, even if we came in second or third, it would be a completely different story, and I don\u2019t want to experience that tension again, and I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever experience it again.\u201d<\/p>\n Tanaka has already shown glimpses of his quality, blending tenacity with technical flair, and is expected to play a key role in Leeds\u2019 midfield as they fight to try and survive in the Premier League.<\/p>\n For now, Leeds fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their new star opted to remain at Elland Road.<\/p>\n However, the summer saga underscores Tanaka\u2019s rising stock and the fine margins that kept him in West Yorkshire. As Leeds continue the fight to stay in top flight, Tanaka\u2019s presence could prove a masterstroke in their bid to re-establish themselves.<\/p>\n However, he may only have one more season at the club, even if Leeds survive his stock is high and he is still on other clubs\u2019 radars.<\/p>\n Leeds United latest: Lampard ties down Farke target; Spurs chasing Harry Gray<\/strong><\/p>\n Coventry City are on the cusp of tying a star performer down to a bumper new contract \u2013 and the move ensures his Premier League suitors, including Leeds, will now need to dig deep if they are to prise the star away<\/a> from the CBS Arena in 2026.<\/p>\n Elsewhere,\u00a0Tottenham Hotspur continue to be strongly linked with a raid on Leeds United to sign Harry Gray, the scorer of a hat-trick for their Under-21s on Tuesday night, and ahead of the player\u2019s 17th birthday next month \u2013\u00a0though the feelings of the player\u2019s father have given an indication over what will happen next<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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