Ao Tanaka and Leeds United transfer sliding-doors moment highlights important point

Leeds United were linked with Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic last summer before the Whites found a gem in Ao Tanaka. The 26-year-old cost just £3million and went on to become one of the club’s standout performers this season, ultimately making the Championship team of the year. He was also voted the Players’ Player of the Year at the club awards night earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Ljubicic is on the verge of winning promotion to the Bundesliga with Koln, having been a mainstay in the team, much like Tanaka at Leeds. The pair have both scored five goals this season, although the German season has yet to conclude.

Reports soon emerged afterwards which claimed that United had seen a £4m bid for the 27-year-old rebuffed. Tanaka was a late window arrival at Leeds and it’s fair to assume if Ljubicic had been acquired by Daniel Farke, the Japan international might never have arrived at Elland Road.