Leeds United are now a small step away from completing the signing of Hidemasa Morita, with the Sporting CP midfielder already holding a formal proposal from the Premier League side.
The 30-year-old has been edging towards Elland Road for months. Leeds first explored a move in 2025, before backing away because of Sporting’s €8m-10m (£7m-8.7m) demands and concerns around the player’s fitness record.
Now, Morita is available on a free transfer, his physical condition has improved this season, and Leeds have moved beyond simple interest. The club have now put a contract offer on the table as they push to secure a player Daniel Farke has wanted for some time.
Formal offer now made
According to information from A Bola, Leeds have handed Morita a two-year contract offer running until 2028, with the option of an extra season.
The midfielder is said to be enthusiastic about the proposal, viewing it as a strong show of confidence from the Yorkshire side. However, there is still one final condition before he gives the definitive green light.
Morita only wants a move to the Premier League.
That stance has remained consistent throughout the process, and he is now waiting for mathematical confirmation that Leeds will remain in the division before fully committing himself to the transfer.
That outcome is looking increasingly likely.
Farke’s tactical plan behind the move
Daniel Farke’s influence continues to be central here.
The Leeds United manager is believed to see Morita as a key piece in the tactical evolution he wants to implement at Elland Road. Farke aims to move the team towards a more possession-based approach, away from the transition-heavy style currently used.
Morita fits that vision because of his positional intelligence and technical quality.
There is another detail adding to the appeal. Farke likes the chemistry Morita already has with Ao Tanaka in the Japanese national team setup. The Leeds boss sees potential in recreating that partnership at club level.
End of Sporting chapter approaching
Sporting have known for a long time that Morita would leave. The midfielder informed the club well in advance that he would not renew his contract because of his desire to play in England.
The Portuguese side tried to sell him during the last two transfer windows, hoping to recover between €8m (£7m) and €10m (£8.7m). No club reached those figures, allowing Sporting to keep him for another season.
That decision still worked out well for the Lisbon club.
Morita played a major role in the team’s recent success, helping deliver two league titles and a Portuguese Cup after arriving from Santa Clara for just €3.45m (£3m) in 2022. Fans are begging him to stay, but looks like he’ll be heading to England.
Now, though, the move towards Leeds appears to be entering its final stages.
