Update emerges on Leeds United transfer pursuit of 40-cap international midfielder | OneFootball

The Whites are progressing in their pursuit of Hidemasa Morita

Leeds United are now reportedly well-placed to sign Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita in the upcoming summer transfer window, following their promotion to the Premier League, after initial reports of their interest in his services surfaced last month.

The Whites have recently sealed their return to the Premier League after two seasons away, and preparations will have already begun for next term back in the top-flight as a major summer window beckons.

It has been confirmed that boss Daniel Farke will be staying in charge for next season, so while they revel in the celebrations of another promotion, it is clear that the German head-coach will be busy in the months to come with a whole host of incomings and outgoings set to be sanctioned. Morita could be one of the former, with the Whites believed to be progessing on a move.

Update emerges on Leeds' Hidemasa Morita chase - they are closer to a deal

Defensive midfielder Morita began his professional career at J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, then made his first move to European football in 2020 to join Portuguese outfit Santa Clara.

He spent two years there before Primeira Liga giants Sporting spent around £3.5 million to sign him in the summer of 2022. The 40-cap Japanese international has been a regular in the Lions' midfield since he made the move, with over 110 appearances for the club in the last three years.

Leeds were first reported to be interested in his signature last month, as Portuguese media outlet Record revealed that the 29-year-old was on the Whites’ radar, with the update stating that they were set to firm up their interest if promotion was secured.

Farke's side confirmed their return to the top-flight on Easter Monday, and now, with the campaign over, Record, via SportWitness have provided a new update on Leeds' chase to sign Morita.

The Whites are believed to be 'well-placed' to sign the Japanese international in the coming months, with his contract at the Estádio José Alvalade set to expire next summer, and Morita said to be reluctant to sign a renewal because he’d like to try a new adventure elsewhere.

The 29-year-old is thought to be available to sign for a relatively cheap fee of €8m, provided he does not pen a new deal, which will no doubt spark Leeds' interest as they look to bolster their squad for the top-flight.

Morita would be a shrewd addition to Leeds' ranks this summer - they need midfield signings

Leeds' transfer business is yet to get underway, with the season having only just finished, but they are sure to be busy in the coming months. Numerous positions in Farke's squad need to be added to as they look to give themselves the best chance of survival in the Premier League next term.

One of their priorities will be signing new midfielders, despite the impressive performances of the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in the Championship this season. Tanaka is also a Japanese international who regularly plays alongside Morita, which will surely appeal to the Whites if they continue to pursue the 29-year-old as an option this summer.

Aside from that pair, Farke only really has Ilia Gruev who can play in holding midfield ahead of next season. Josuha Guilavogui is out-of-contract in June and set to depart, while Charlie Crew and Darko Gyabi seem unlikely to be trusted to play a consistent role in the Premier League.

It is clear that his options need to be improved in the middle of the park, and a player like Morita, who is available for a small fee but comes with bags of international and European experience, would surely be a shrewd addition to their ranks.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for him at Sporting, but the Whites may have to play the waiting game regarding his contract decision, with the Primeira Liga leaders' season not set to finish until May 25. Only after then will an agreement either way surely be reached.