Exclusive Leonino - Morita’s exit forces Sporting to act | OneFootball

Sporting is already working on the future of its midfield to find a replacement for Hidemasa Morita, Leonino has learned. With his contract ending in 2026 and no progress in renewal negotiations, the leonine SAD has decided to anticipate scenarios and identify a profile capable of taking on duties in the center of the pitch starting from 2026/27.

The departure of the Japanese international is seen internally as almost inevitable, which is why the Lions want to avoid surprises in planning for the next season. The green and white structure is analyzing midfielders with similar characteristics, namely organizational ability and tactical intelligence.

Despite the farewell scenario, the player – who was close to joining Ajax – has not yet decided on his next destination and does not know where he will play in 2026/27. The midfielder remains fully focused on the present and has already told the club’s management that he will remain fully committed to the team until the last game of the season, determined to help Sporting achieve its sporting goals.

His possible departure at the end of the season represents a significant challenge for squad building, but Sporting wants to turn the transition into an opportunity, ensuring in advance a worthy successor to the 30-year-old footballer.

This 2025/26 sporting season, wearing the Sporting shirt, Hidemasa Morita – valued at 9 million euros – has played 31 matches. The footballer has played a total of 1,531 minutes, during which he assisted his teammates on two occasions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.