Ao Tanaka of Fortuna Dusseldorf provided a brief update to the media after his contract with Leeds United fell through
Leeds backed out of a deal to sign Tanaka on Tuesday [29 August] after he was injured in a “horror” training incident [Rheinische Post].
However, according to a subsequent report by Sky Sports Germany on Wednesday [30 August], that was the reason for the failed deal, with Leeds merely deciding the 24-year-old lacked the traits they were searching for.
Tanaka appeared to confirm his injury-free status on August 30 when he told reporters at Dusseldorf’s training field, “I am healthy.”
The emphasis shifts elsewhere.
It’s unusual for a transfer to get this far without being completed.
Injuries occur, as do complications involving finer personal details and previously unknown issues found by a medical examination.
But it’s strange for Leeds to abandon their pursuit of 19-cap Japan international Tanaka because they’ve decided they don’t want him.
The Whites are anxious for a central midfielder before the transfer window closes, but a deal for Rangers‘ Glen Kamara has also fallen through.
Others have been linked to a relocation to Elland Road, which might result in a hurried finish before the 11 p.m. deadline on September 1.
Tanaka will not be wearing a Leeds shirt after the strange happenings of the last few days, that is clear.
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