Leeds United ‘to reignite’ Hidemasa Morita move as Sporting Lisbon star nears free transfer | OneFootball

A Bola reports that Leeds United have reignited interest in Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita as his Sporting Lisbon contract nears expiry, opening the door to a free transfer.

Sporting are preparing for his departure on a free and plan to recruit at least two midfielders, including a successor to captain Morten Hjulmand, as they reshape the unit before summer.

Leeds explored Morita last summer and were the only English club with concrete links, but he chose to stay even as his deal ran down.

Fitness concerns had cooled interest after he missed several matches, yet this season he has sat out only two through injury, easing doubts.

Leeds have five central midfielders, but there is no direct replacement when Ethan Ampadu is unavailable and Anton Stach’s form could attract interest.

The club are working on new deals for Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson and Pascal Struijk, with Ampadu and Gruev in the final 18 months of their careers.

A Japan international and team-mate of Ao Tanaka, Morita has long aimed to play in the Premier League and could add experience if Leeds move.

With the window approaching and survival still to secure next season, monitoring the situation may suit Leeds given their midfield needs and the potential value of a free.

Source: Leedsunited.news