A Leeds United target is edging closer to a free summer exit, with Portuguese newspaper A Bola reporting Sporting CP are already preparing for Hidemasa Morita’s departure.
The Japan international is just months away from the end of his contract in Lisbon. According to the report, he will “place a full stop” on his four-year spell at Alvalade. There is no expectation of a renewal, and Sporting are restructuring their midfield in anticipation of his exit.
That effectively puts Morita back on the market ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Sporting preparing succession plan
A Bola explain Sporting’s midfield will undergo significant changes. Morita is not the only potential departure. Captain Morten Hjulmand is also attracting strong interest and could generate one of the club’s biggest summer sales.
With that in mind, the Portuguese side are acting early. 26-year-old Daniel Bragança is already being developed in the number 8 role, directly anticipating Morita’s departure.
In addition, Sporting plan to sign at least two midfielders. One would operate as a more positional number 6, potentially replacing Hjulmand. The other would fill the number 8 role to balance the squad after Morita leaves.
This is not reactive planning. The structure has reportedly been working on this transition for some time.
What happened with Leeds United
Leeds United were strongly linked with Morita the summer. As we covered at the time, Record reported he was keen on a Premier League move, with Leeds United named as the only concrete English club in the frame.
However, Leeds eventually cooled their interest. Concerns focused on his age (now 30) and fitness record. During the second half of last season, Morita suffered several injury absences. That raised doubts about committing to a transfer. No offer was made, and the move stalled.
Now, with his contract running down and Sporting clearly planning without him, Morita will become available on a free transfer. That naturally increases his appeal across Europe.
Fitness concerns have also eased, with only two matches missed due to injury this season.
Leeds United could use another reliable midfield option. So, given their interest and the player’s long-standing desire to play in the Premier League, this is a situation worth monitoring as the summer window approaches.
