Ao Tanaka has told Leeds in a 21-word message that he’s leaving for premier league rival following his World Cup withdrawal.

Zion Suzuki sends message to Leeds United star amid Elland Road links

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has reacted to Japan’s World Cup heartbreak. He endured a gutting moment as Brazil pounced on him giving the ball away to win it.

The World Cup is heading into the round of 16 very soon. But, there’s only two Leeds players still standing in the tournament.

Sweden’s Gabriel Gudmundsson was dumped out by France. Elsewhere, Ao Tanaka and Japan are out after a brutal defeat to Brazil.

Ao Tanaka reacts to heartbreaking Japan defeat after costly mistake – Leeds United target Zion Suzuki replies

Tanaka was only introduced in the 78th minute against Brazil despite two very strong starting performances in the group stage.

Unsurprisingly, as Japan dug deep looking for extra-time, Tanaka struggled to get a real grip in midfield. And, when he picked up the ball on the edge of his own box deep in added time, he was pickpocketed, and Brazil promptly shifted the ball across to Gabriel Martinelli and scored seconds later.

It was an absolutely gut-wrenching moment for the Leeds midfielder, who sunk to the deck in tears at full-time. Interestingly, he was consoled by Man Utd’s Matheus Cunha.

Such a devastating moment can wreak havoc for a player’s confidence, and we know that Tanaka has struggled mentally over the past 12 months.

So, it wouldn’t be a shock if he’s not feeling 100% right when he gets back to Thorp Arch later in the summer.

However, coming back to club football might be the best thing for him to take his mind away from international trauma.

If we get Tanaka to his best, we have such a talented player on our hands for next season under Daniel Farke.

Leeds United Top Target Zion Suzuki Sends 21-Word Message To Leeds Explaining Why He Prefers To Go To Newcastle United

Leeds United’s pursuit of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has hit a major roadblock.

The Japan international, Elland Road’s No.1 target this summer, has reportedly sent a direct 21-word message to Leeds explaining why he would rather join Newcastle United.

Sources close to the deal say Suzuki made the decision after talks with both clubs over the weekend.

According to club insiders, Suzuki’s message to Leeds read:

“Thank you Leeds. Project is exciting. But Champions League and Premier League stability at Newcastle fit my career now.”

That’s 21 words. And it’s enough to shift the whole transfer.

Leeds had pushed hard. Daniel Farke spoke to Suzuki twice. The club offered him the starting shirt and a long-term project built around promotion and Premier League football.

But Newcastle could offer two things Leeds can’t right now:

Eddie Howe’s side are back in Europe and can guarantee top-level games – Newcastle are established in the Premier League top 6, with European football and a clear goalkeeper pathway despite Nick Pope’s presence.

For Suzuki, 22, that was decisive. He wants to test himself at the highest level now, not in 12 months.

Leeds are disappointed but not surprised. The club knew from the start they were competing above their current level.

A source at Elland Road said: “We made our best pitch. Zion was respectful. He just feels Newcastle is the right step now.”

Leeds will now turn to other targets. Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Brondby’s Patrick Pentz are both on the shortlist.

This is a blow, but also a reality check. Leeds can attract top talent, but without European football it’s hard to beat a Champions League club.

For Newcastle, Suzuki is seen as Pope’s long-term successor. For Leeds, the search for a new No.1 starts again.

Suzuki’s 21 words were polite, but they ended Elland Road’s dream signing.