Fortuna Dusseldorf could sell Ao Tanaka for just £2.5 million this summer with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Fulham keen on the Japan international.
Ao Tanaka’s dramatic winner against Spain in the Qatar World Cup will not be remembered solely for his smart, back post finish (did the ball cross the line in the build-up?) but the history books will always show that it was he who fired Japan into the knockout stages while sending one of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany, packing.
Should West Ham or Fulham get their mitts on Tanaka this summer, however, do not expect many goals from a man responsible for arguably Japan’s most iconic World Cup moment.
The versatile midfielder scored only once for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2022/23. His game is more about keeping the ball moving in the central areas, providing a link between defence and attack, and snapping into tackles, that Spanish stunner more the exception than the rule.
Ao Tanaka could help West Ham move on from Declan Rice
The Bundesliga website even likened the Tanaka to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham; arguably the most complete young central midfielder in world football.
Tanaka, meanwhile, does not appear entirely keen on spending another season in Germany’s second tier. BILD and the Rheinische Post report that West Ham and Fulham are willing to offer the former Kawasaki Frontale ace the chance to play first-team football in Europe for the very first time.
“There’s movement there. There’s an interest in these players,” Fortuna coach Daniel Thioune says while discussing Tanaka’s future.
“If the players go somewhere, they should be in top condition. I have a clear agreement with all the players on that. At the end of the day, they are under contract with us and are rewarded for it. I can also expect performance and willingness there.”
If Tanaka’s performances in pre-season are anything to go by, the wantaway-midfielder is not going to let the speculation surrounding him affect his performances.
BILD, meanwhile, believe £2.5 million could be enough for Fortuna to sell. West Ham would have no problems stumping up such a fee. Particularly with Declan Rice’s departure set to earn the Hammers upwards of £100 million.
Tanaka would not replace Rice directly. But he could help David Moyes move on, and add more depth to his midfield options.
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