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SoccerTransfer
Leeds United Set For Bargain Signing To Solve Farke Problem: Will The 31-Year-Old Fix Their Issues?
TL;DR
Leeds United is nearing a free transfer for 31-year-old midfielder Hidemasa Morita from Sporting CP. The deal includes a two-year contract with an option for a third year, contingent on Leeds securing Premier League status.
Key points
- Leeds United is close to signing Hidemasa Morita.
- The deal is a free transfer with a two-year contract.
- Morita wants guaranteed Premier League football.
- Daniel Farke identifies Morita as key for possession play.
- Morita has chemistry with Ao Tanaka from the Japan national team.
Mentioned in this story
Hidemasa MoritaDaniel FarkeAo Tanaka
Leeds UnitedSporting CPPremier LeagueJapan national team
Leeds United Set For Bargain Signing To Solve Farke Problem: Will The 31-Year-Old Fix Their Issues?
Leeds United are closing in on Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita, with a free transfer move taking shape ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Whites have put a formal two-year deal on the table, running until 2028, which includes an option for a further year. While Morita is reportedly keen on the move, there is one major caveat, and that is he wants guaranteed Premier League football before putting pen to paper. With Leeds United looking well-placed to beat the relegation, that hurdle is becoming less of a worry by the week.
Leeds United close in on Hidemasa Morita
Daniel Farke picked out Morita as a key target months ago, viewing the 31-year-old as the missing piece for a more possession-heavy style at Elland Road. Beyond his technical ability, Farke is also looking to tap into the existing chemistry Morita shares with Ao Tanaka from the Japan national team, hoping the pair can replicate that partnership in the heart of the Leeds United midfield.
Sporting, for their part, seem resigned to losing him. Having failed to find a buyer for a fee between €8m and €10m over the last two windows, the Lisbon giants are now set to see him walk away for nothing. Even so, Sporting have had their money’s worth; Morita helped secure two league titles and a Portuguese Cup after arriving from Santa Clara for a modest €3.45m back in 2022.
Q&A
What is the status of Hidemasa Morita's transfer to Leeds United?
Leeds United is close to signing Hidemasa Morita on a free transfer, with a formal two-year contract proposal already on the table.
Why does Hidemasa Morita want guaranteed Premier League football?
Morita seeks assurance of playing in the Premier League before finalizing his move to Leeds United, which is becoming less of a concern as the team improves its position.
How does Daniel Farke view Hidemasa Morita's role at Leeds United?
Daniel Farke sees Morita as crucial for implementing a more possession-based style and hopes to leverage his chemistry with Ao Tanaka from the Japan national team.