of leeds united The long-running pursuit of Hidemasa Morita is now moving towards a concrete result, with the midfielder's position strongly pointing towards a summer move - provided one key condition is met.
The Sporting CP player is on Leeds' radar for 2025. At the time, the club had assessed a deal but backed out. The fee, estimated at around €10 million (£8.7 million), and concerns over fitness made the move difficult to justify.
Twelve months later, the same deal looks very different. Morita is now approaching the end of his contract and is expected to Skip to free transfer.
As we recently coveredSports fans are pleading for him to stop. His form has improved, his availability has been more consistent and he has become one of their most important players this season.
However, what has changed most is the level of clarity around the move.
Now move forward gathering real speed
As reported by Portuguese outlet to ballHidemasa Morita's departure from Sporting is considered almost certain, with the midfielder having already decided not to renew his contract. "Leeds road tolls continue to decline"His latest piece says.
More importantly, the Japan international has made it clear that he wants to play in the Premier League and, importantly, that it is a condition rather than a priority.
He has indicated that he is only Interested in moving to England's top flightShaping the entire conversation around that need.
Leeds are currently in a strong position to secure it, and that fixture strengthens their hand. Instead, the rest of the deal aligns naturally.
The club has maintained interest in it since last summer and it is again being ranked as the most likely destination. Contrary to previous reports, the move is now described as very advanced, suggesting that discussions have moved beyond simple surveillance.
Farc effect and strategic fit
Another important development is the role of Daniel Farke in this process.
The Leeds United manager is understood to be a driving force behind the interest. His intention to create a more possession-based midfield has influenced recruitment thinking, and Morita is seen as a player who fits that profile.
His ability to operate as both a No. 6 and No. 8 adds to that appeal. Although he is not a high-output player in terms of goals, his strengths lie in positional play, control and balance.
The scenario now is a free transfer, a player eager to make the move, a manager who wants him, and a club that is already familiar with his profile.
So the deal that Leeds once walked away from now looks like they are ready to complete.
