Sources confirm Celtic maintained a strong interest in Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka, having pursued the 27-year-old before his £3.4m move to Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2024. The Scottish club was prepared to reignite its chase had Leeds not been promoted. Alongside Celtic, several Bundesliga clubs were also reportedly ready to act if Leeds remained in the Championship, while Premier League sides Bournemouth and Brentford monitored the situation. Sources indicated there was little doubt Tanaka would have sought a move, and the player himself later confirmed he could have departed had the club failed to secure promotion to the Premier League. His contract with Leeds runs until 2028, and his market value is currently estimated by Transfermarkt to be €10.00m.