Leeds United ‘to sign’ Hidemasa Morita after reported agreement in principle | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing in on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita, with his next move described as already decided in principle and Leeds identified as the destination, according to A Bola.

Leeds have monitored the 30-year-old for over a year, their interest first surfacing last summer then resurfacing later in the campaign. They were linked again in March as the club assessed his situation. He rejected fresh terms at Sporting last summer in search of a new challenge.

Morita’s contract expires in June, making him an attractive free transfer. He is regarded for work rate, availability and reliability, and brings experience from Santa Clara and Kawasaki Frontale.

The midfielder has long wanted to test himself in England, with the Premier League his preferred stage. The report suggests he waited for Leeds to confirm their Premier League status and, with Daniel Farke’s side on 43 points, he is now content to commit.

It is also suggested the move aligns with a possession-focused approach under Farke. Morita has completed 777 of 892 passes in Portugal this season, around 87%.

International team-mate Ao Tanaka has praised Morita’s quality. The pair played together for Kawasaki Frontale and for Japan.

Leeds’ push reflects timing as much as intent, with a long-term target approaching a clean contract exit. His potential arrival would add competition in midfield.

Source: Leedsunited.news