Leeds United look like they are about to pull off one of the smartest free transfers of the summer window. A report from Portuguese outlet A Bola suggests that Monday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham, which officially guaranteed Leeds another year in the Premier League, was the final piece of the puzzle needed to sign Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita.
Leeds United are expected to pull off Hidemasa Morita
According to Sport Witness, the club have already put a formal contract on the table that runs until 2028, with a built-in option for an extra year. Transfer expert Nicolo Schira backed this up, noting that Morita is now just a signature away from joining.
Leeds United have actually tracked Morita since last summer, but a move stalled because Sporting wanted €10 million, and there were worries about his fitness record. With his current deal ending next month, those hurdles have completely disappeared.
Sporting already know that Morita isn’t planning to stick around or sign an extension. Daniel Farke picked him out months ago, largely because he wants to recreate the partnership Morita shares with Ao Tanaka in the Japan national team. The hope is that their natural chemistry will carry over to the Elland Road midfield.
Looking at the stats, the 30-year-old averaged about 58 passes a game with nearly 87% accuracy in Portugal this year. His creative numbers are also high, ranking him above 94% of other midfielders in the league for expected assists. He looks like a well-rounded player who is smart with his positioning, reliable on the ball, and seasoned by Champions League football and over 40 international caps. While his history of muscle injuries is a slight red flag, as is his low goal tally and poor crossing stats, the upside is clear.
Does the Morita deal actually solve Leeds United’s biggest midfield problem for next season?
Leeds United definitely need a boost in this department. If Morita signs, he’ll likely take the spot of either Sean Longstaff or Ilia Gruev. Longstaff, in particular, has seen his game time drop off quite a bit through 2026. To be honest, Morita fits a specific need as Farke’s tactics require a calm, ball-playing midfielder who can keep the team’s shape without overdoing things in possession.
Longstaff never looked totally comfortable in that role, and while Gruev is a compact defender, he doesn’t have Morita’s vision or top-flight experience. The injury risks are worth watching, especially since the Premier League is much more physically demanding than the Portuguese league. However, since there’s no transfer fee involved, it’s a risk Leeds United can easily afford to take. His knack for reading the game from deep positions is exactly what makes Farke’s style work. Tactically and financially, this move is a no-brainer for Leeds heading into the 2026/27 season.
