Everton make approach to sign Ao Tanaka as bidding war update emerges from Japan

The Japanese publication shared [29 May] that Tanaka is the subject of extensive interest after impressing in a Fortuna side which failed to reach the Bundesliga after losing their relegation/promotion play-off tie with Bochum.

Everton appear to be in the market for central players, with recent links to former Liverpool man Arthur Melo, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi.

Hochi also reports that Tanaka’s contract has just a year left to run, with clubs aiming for an affordable deal.

Who is Ao Tanaka and what could he bring to Everton?

Tanaka has been a shining light in a strong season in Dusseldorf, which ultimately ended in failure to secure a Bundesliga spot.

The 25-year-old – who most often operates deep in the midfield – has struck up some excellent statistics in Germany’s second tier during 2023-24, including an 89.6% pass accuracy rate; seven goals and three assists in the league, and four goals in his last five caps for Japan – eight in 26 in total. Sean Dyche could be eyeing those numbers in the same mould as an Abdoulaye Doucoure-style of midfielder, with Doucoure himself having chipped in with some crucial goals during his time at Goodison Park.

Evidently a player who covers plenty of ground in transitioning from defence to attack, Tanaka also carries a good age profile and could be ideal for Everton under financial constraints with just 12 months to run on his deal.

It would now be considered that Tanaka will opt against signing fresh terms with Fortuna, with Germany’s top two – Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart – also reported by Hochi to be tracking the player, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz and Leeds United.E