Leeds United target moving closer to free summer exit with Portuguese newspaper to ball Reporting Sporting CP are already preparing for the departure of Hidemasa Morita.
The Japan international is just months away from the expiry of his contract in Lisbon. According to the report, he will "put a full stop" to his four-year tenure at Alvalade. There are no hopes of a renewal, and Sporting are restructuring their midfield in anticipation of his exit.
This effectively puts Morita back on the market ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Preparing sporting succession plans
A Bola revealed that there will be significant changes to Sporting's midfield. Morita isn't the only possible departure. captain Morten Hjulmand is also attracting keen interest And it could generate one of the club's biggest summer sales.
With this in mind, the Portuguese side is acting quickly. 26-year-old Daniel Bragança is already being developed into the number 8 role, with Morita expected to move directly into the role.
Additionally, Sporting plans to sign at least two midfielders. Will serve as a more positional number 6, potentially replacing Hjulmand. The second will play the number 8 role to balance the team after Morita's departure.
This is not a reactive plan. The structure has reportedly been working on this change for some time.
What happened to leeds united?
Leeds United were strongly linked with Morita in the summer. As we covered at the time, record He was reported to be keen on a move to the Premier League, with Leeds United named as the only solid English club in the frame.
However, Leeds eventually reduced their interest. Concerns centered on his age (now 30) and fitness record. During the second half of last season, Morita suffered several injuries. This raised doubts about the commitment to transfer. No proposal was made and the move stalled.
Now, with his contract expiring and Sporting apparently planning without him, Morita will become available on a free transfer. This naturally increases their appeal throughout Europe.
Fitness concerns have also been reduced, having missed only two matches due to injury this season.
Leeds United could use another reliable midfield option. So, given their interest and the player's long-standing desire to play in the Premier League, this is a situation worth monitoring as the summer window approaches.
