Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka, who is 27, might leave Leeds United this summer because his playing time has been reduced, as he has played fewer than 800 league minutes this season. In his first year at the club, Tanaka was named Players' Player of the Year. He had joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf for a fee that was reported to be €3.5 million (£2.95 million). Southampton is a potential destination for Tanaka. He might be signed as a replacement if Shea Charles and Caspar Jander depart, and this could occur irrespective of the division Southampton plays in next season. Tanaka has 37 caps for Japan and is contracted until June 2028. He has also been linked with German clubs, including Schalke 04 and Union Berlin. Reports in March 2026 suggested a potential transfer fee would not exceed £10m. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €10.00m.