Leeds United revive interest in Hidemasa Morita, deal possible

Daniel Farke’s Leeds United have reportedly revived their interest in Sporting CP’s Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita.

Leeds United are once again looking at a familiar face ahead of the summer transfer window. According to a report from A Bola via Sport Witness, the Yorkshire-based outfit have revived their interest in Hidemasa Morita.

Leeds United were after the Japanese international last summer. While things did not work out back then, the Premier League club now look the most likely destination for the Japanese international.

Hidemasa Morita had his first taste of European football with Portuguese club Santa Clara. On the back of an impressive 18-month spell, he secured a move to Sporting CP in the summer of 2022. The 30-year-old has only gone from strength to strength since.

The 40-cap Japanese international might not have been a guaranteed starter for the Portuguese outfit, but he has certainly been a very important part of their setup over the years. While he prefers playing as a central midfielder, Morita has featured in a variety of roles in the centre of the park.

Leeds United’s failed attempt to sign Morita

Since Hidemasa Morita had entered the final year of his deal at Sporting last summer, Leeds United were looking to secure his services in a bargain move. They were quite serious about their pursuit, as they were certain the 30-year-old could do wonders for them under Daniel Farke.

However, the Whites were not willing to meet the Lions’ asking price of €10 million. There was a belief that the price was a touch too high for someone who could be available for free in 12 months. While they failed to get a deal over the line back then, Leeds have not forgetten about him.

Hidemasa Morita looks set to finally join Leeds United

With Morita’s contract running out after the end of the season, the Yorkshire-based outfit are looking to sign him on a free transfer. While the experienced midfielder did have a few injury troubles last season, he has been fully fit since September, and this certainly works in favour of Farke’s team.

The 40-cap Japanese international dreams of playing in England, and he could jump at the chance of playing for Leeds. Morita and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka are both managed by CAA Base, which could help the Premier League outfit in getting a deal over the line.