Leeds United eventually made a bid to sign a top fan in Leeds history

Tanaka, 25, made his debut just over 24 hours after Leeds confirmed the 27-time Japan star’s arrival. He came on as a sub for the last few minutes of Leeds’ 2-0 win over Hull City on Saturday at Elland Road.

Fans are excited by the arrival of the Japan star. Especially as Tanaka has scored goals against Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and against Germany for his country. A technically-gifted, hard-working player.

But Tanaka was not the first player Leeds tried to sign as Daniel Farke eyed a goalscoring midfielder that could play alongside the likes of captain Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev in holding midfield this season.

Leeds made a bid to sign Dejan Ljubicic but he has stayed put

Ljubicic, 26, was the subject of Leeds interest throughout the window. Leeds tabled a bid of £3.3m for the Austria star but it was some way away from Koln’s asking price of £6m and an improved bid didn’t arrive.

He has made an impressive start to 2024-25 with four goals and assists in four games, but his deal ends in 2025. Koln sporting director Christian Keller says Ljubicic doesn’t want to sign on, as per Geiss Blog.

“Dejo and I discussed this very openly, right at the beginning of pre-season and also recently. His position at the moment is that he wants to concentrate on the season and play the football he can play again.”

Could Leeds still be interested in a move to sign Ljubicic?

The signing of Tanaka might mean that any interest from Leeds has wained. But, the lack of a no.10 arrival at Elland Road means that if Ljubicic becomes available in January, Leeds’ interest is likely to remain.

Ljubicic’s midfield versatility has seen him play on both flanks, as a no.6 in holding midfield or as a 10 for the German side over the past 12 months. Ljubicic’s value is only going to decrease come January.

As his contract winds down, Leeds will have a decision to make in January. Either move on from Ljubicic, make another offer with Koln likely to request less or sign the “special” star on a free come the summer.