West Brom ramp up pursuit of Ao Tanaka as £4.2m development emerges at Fortuna Dusseldorf

West Brom have an “increased interest” in Fortuna Dusseldorf and Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, according to Rheinische Post.

Ao Tanaka: Who is Fortuna Düsseldorf's Japanese midfielder? | Bundesliga

The German newspaper reported via their print edition on Friday (28 July, page D4) that Tanaka, 24, is also wanted by West Ham, Fulham and Albion’s Championship rivals Leicester.

It is understood that a deal for Tanaka to leave Fortuna isn’t imminent but due to an “extremely dynamic” transfer window in Germany, things could change quickly.

No chance

We doubt West Brom will be signing many players this month, especially ones that involve a transfer fee.

Tanaka is contracted to Fortuna until 2025 and a £4.2million release clause in that deal expired at the end of May, Rheinische Post claims.

The 2. Bundesliga season starts this weekend with Fortuna taking on Hertha Berlin on Saturday (29 July) and it’s unlikely they’ll be easily tempted into a sale.

Tanaka played 25 times in all competitions for them last season, scoring one goal and supplying three assists from the centre of the midfield.

He also scored for Japan in their famous World Cup win over Spain in Qatar before a serious knee injury ended his 2022/23 campaign early back in April.

West Brom were clearly impressed by Tanaka’s form at Fortuna in the first half of last season, as well as his performances in the World Cup because The Telegraph reported on 20 June that a bid had been made for the ex-Kawasaki Frontale midfielder in January.

That offer was reportedly rejected but due to the lack of funds being made available for transfers this summer, it’s unlikely that a renewed offer will be made.

Conor Townsend admits West Brom teammate could be sold amid £60m speculation

West Brom left-back Conor Townsend has admitted one of his teammates could be sold amid the ongoing speculation around a takeover at the club.

West Brom defender Conor Townsend admits teammate could be sold

The Baggies have been linked this week with a £60million takeover bid by Fred Chesnais, a French crypto investor businessman, as Lai Guochuan looks to sell the club [Daily Mail].

Speaking to the Express and Star, Townsend said the squad does need strengthening, but that someone may have to leave due to the lack of funds available for transfers at the Hawthorns.

“In the grand scheme of things, players at the club know what’s going on,” said the 30-year-old. “It’s not as simple as just getting players in. We do need players in.

“I know Mark (Miles) and Pearcey (Ian Pearce) are working hard to get it sorted, but it’s not as simple as bringing players in at the minute, it might be that someone leaves.

“There are more politics to it. For us as players, we’ve got to not pay much attention to it and get ourselves fit and give ourselves the best chance of being in the starting team come August. Hopefully, we can bring a few faces in.”

Unfortunate

It won’t be something West Brom fans want to hear, but unfortunately due to the position the club are currently in, Townsend could be right and someone may have to leave.

It may be that one player moves on for a transfer fee that will also free up wages for maybe two new players to come in that can push for a place in the starting lineup.

But as the Baggies left-back admitted, the team does need strengthening and Carlos Corberan will know that as he looks to put a side together that is capable of challenging for promotion.

Townsend talked openly about how the players know about the current situation around the club, but there isn’t anything they can do about that as a group, so they’ll be looking to not focus too much on that, even if it isn’t an easy task when those decisions can impact your livelihood.

A swift resolution would be very welcome for all those associated with the club as the new Championship season approaches and the squad does need a few more additions.