Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, reports that Leeds United have revived their interest in Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita. The 30-year-old’s contract at the Estádio José Alvalade expires on June 30, 2026. Currently, there is no sign of a renewal. Leeds looked at Morita last summer but refused to pay the €10 million asking price. They believed the fee was too high given his contract status. Now, the situation favour Leeds.
Leeds United’s summer blueprint as Morita’s free transfer could be smart business
Leeds want to sign Morita on a free transfer as his contract runs out. The club currently lead the race for his signature. Fitness concerns cooled Leeds’ interest last summer after Morita missed several matches. However, he has missed only two games through injury this season. This reliability reduces earlier doubts. The move also involves a personal goal. A Bola claims that playing in English football is Morita’s childhood dream. Leeds can offer him that chance.
The agent connection makes the deal easier. Both Morita and Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka use the agency CAA Base. This shared representation could help finalise the move. Tanaka and Morita played together at J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale between 2018 and 2020. Across 62 appearances together, the pair averaged 2.42 points per game.
Tanaka is now settled at Elland Road despite spending time on the fringes of Daniel Farke’s squad. He will likely help convince his international teammate to move north. Morita has made 153 appearances for Sporting, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists since joining from Santa Clara in 2022.
Does Morita solve a real problem?
This possible signing fills a genuine gap rather than hiding a structural weakness. Leeds United have five central midfielders, but they lack a direct replacement for Ethan Ampadu. Furthermore, Anton Stach’s form has attracted interest from other clubs. Leeds average just 45.2% possession this season. This means losing the ball carries a high cost. Morita addresses this weakness directly with his 86.74% pass completion rate and Champions League experience.
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However, the deal depends on one condition. If Leeds suffer relegation, Morita’s Premier League dream disappears. The club would then have an older midfielder stuck in a Championship season he does not want. With a World Cup approaching, Morita wants to stay in top-level football. Competition for his signature could grow if other clubs take notice. Leeds United must secure their safety first, then act fast. The logic of a free transfer is strong, and the Tanaka connection helps. But calling this a done deal before Leeds confirm survival is premature. Secure the points, then sign the player.
