Portuguese newspaper A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, reports that Leeds United have started chasing Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita again. The club are now preparing for his exit as his contract nears its end. Leeds United looked at Morita as a target last summer. At that time, they were the only English club with real links to him. A move never happened because the player chose to stay in Lisbon. However, the financial situation looks much different now. Saturday’s edition of A Bola makes it clear that Leeds is his most likely summer destination.
Leeds United Eye Hidemasa Morita Again as Free Transfer Approaches
He mainly plays in central midfield. His Sporting contract expires on 30 June 2026. Morita moved to Sporting CP from Santa Clara on 1 July 2022. Since then, he won the Liga Portugal in back-to-back seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25). He also won the Taça de Portugal in 2024-25. This season, he has played 22 matches in the Liga NOS. He has played 1,220 minutes and has one assist. Morita also has three yellow cards and a pass completion rate of 86.74% (Via Footystats).
Fitness concerns cooled Leeds’ interest last summer. He missed several matches then. However, he has missed only two games through injury this season. This significantly reduces those doubts. Sporting are getting ready for him to leave. They plan to sign at least two new midfielders. They want a successor to captain Morten Hjulmand. They are restructuring their midfield before the summer window opens.
Last summer, the Whites refused to pay the €10 million asking price. They felt the fee was too high for his contract status. Now, A Bola calls Leeds United his “most likely destination.” Reports say the midfielder is ready to achieve his childhood dream of playing in England. His Japan teammate, Ao Tanaka, already plays for Leeds United. The Portuguese press notes that Leeds United still want the player. Leeds are currently in the Premier League. They are fighting to stay up during a hard first season back in the top flight.
Do Leeds United Actually Need Morita, or Is His Age a Risk?
We should look at this honestly in March 2026. Leeds United are chasing a 30-year-old midfielder who turns 31 in May. He would arrive on a free transfer while the club fight relegation. The deal looks good on paper, but we need to look closer.
Leeds United has five central midfielders right now. However, they have no direct backup for Ethan Ampadu. Also, Anton Stach’s performances this season are attracting interest from other clubs, and Morita fits a specific gap. Journalist Kevin Fernandes called him the “brain and balance” of the Sporting midfield. His stats back that up. He reads the game early, and he competes hard without making mistakes. He passes accurately under pressure. Morita also has Champions League experience. No one in the current Leeds midfield has that. These are real strengths.
However, his weaknesses matter too. He has taken eight shots this season, but none have hit the target. He has scored zero league goals. Morita’s attacking numbers have dropped compared to earlier seasons. Because of his age, Leeds United cannot expect him to get better. A 31-year-old free agent provides depth and experience. He is not a long-term piece for the future.
As of early March 2026, Leeds sit 15th in the Premier League. They have 31 points from 29 matches. They are just above the relegation zone, and their main goal is staying up. Morita offers the composure and defensive cover that struggling teams need. Leeds cannot spend huge amounts of money. A free transfer for a proven European midfielder is smart business. It is not a gamble. The deal makes sense, but only if Leeds stay in the Premier League. If they go down, Morita’s dream will vanish. Leeds would then have an ageing midfielder for a Championship season that he likely does not want to play.
