Leeds United’s form in the Championship has been nothing short of exemplary, with Daniel Farke’s side now in pole position to secure promotion come the end of the season.
The German has built a side that has dominated many sides in the division, as demonstrated by their current unbeaten run which now stretches back to the start of December.
He’s made some shrewd additions to help him in his quest, including Joel Piroe who’s so often provided the goods at the top end of the pitch for the Whites.
The Dutchman cost £10m from Swansea City in the summer of 2023, taking the role of the club’s leading talisman this campaign, notching 14 goals and six assists in his 33 league outings.
Piroe has been aided in his attempts within the final third by one player who has taken the second tier by storm since his summer arrival in Yorkshire.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25
£3.5m is such a cheap fee in the modern game with mammoth fees constantly touted for various players all around the world as clubs look to strengthen in the transfer market.
Ao Tanaka joined the Whites for the aforementioned fee in the summer, looking to provide depth in the midfield department of Farke’s squad.
However, the Japanese star has exceeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, cementing his place within the starting lineup on a consistent basis, starting 25 times in 2024/25 to date.
Despite his deep-lying role, he’s popped up with some key moments in the final third, notching two assists and two goals – including a superb strike against Hull City back in January.
However, despite his stellar form at Elland Road over the last couple of months, he’s still valued lower than one player who’s struggled in parts despite the club’s current league standing.
The Leeds player who’s worth over 3x more than Tanaka
With promotion potentially on the cards, the club’s hierarchy may be keeping a distant eye on the summer transfer window and the business they might conduct should they return to the Premier League.
Farke has already built a squad capable of winning games in the second tier, but ultimately, additions and departures will be needed to achieve survival in the top-flight – something which many sides have struggled with in the last couple of years.
Illan Meslier could be one player who could find it difficult to maintain his starting role, often producing a catalogue of errors that have cost the Whites at various points of the campaign.
The Frenchman made a huge blunder against Sunderland in the final minute of the clash, costing Farke’s side two points – before also making multiple mistakes against Hull City, resulting in yet another draw.
He’s still managed to keep 20 clean sheets – the second-most in the division – but his mistakes have still cost them at times this year, something which could prove to be unforgivable should they achieve promotion.
|
Illan Meslier’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
33 |
|
Clean sheets |
20 |
|
Goals conceded |
20 |
|
Saves made |
1.5 |
|
Goals prevented |
-0.15 |
|
Pass accuracy |
78% |
|
Errors leading to goals |
2 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
Meslier, who’s been dubbed “inconsistent” by one analyst, has undoubtedly had his critics but has still seen an increase in market value on the £5m fee forked out for his signature multiple years ago.
The 24-year-old is now valued at £13m by Football Transfers, a figure that is over three times more than current star Tanaka who’s only valued at £3.5m – the same as the fee paid for his services six months ago.
Given the rise and his inconsistency so far under Farke, the German could be tempted into cashing in on Meslier over the summer, using the funds to land a more experienced goalkeeping option.
It would undoubtedly be a move that would divide opinions among the fanbase, but should he repeat any mistakes if the club were to get promoted, it could cost the Whites dearly – undoing all the hard work done by Farke since his appointment.
Related
£25m star in the making: Leeds have already hit gold with “monster” talent
Leeds United have conducted fantastic business in the transfer market over the last few months.
