Leeds United’s first season back in the Premier League has been centred on one objective — survival — and Daniel Farke’s side have successfully delivered it. With their top-flight status now secured for next season, attention has quickly shifted towards strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window.
That security is already helping Leeds in the market, giving the club access to players who may not have considered a move if relegation had still been a threat.
The recruitment team have wasted little time getting to work.
Earlier this week, reports revealed that Leeds missed out on Wolves midfielder João Gomes after the Brazilian rejected what was believed to be a more lucrative offer in favour of a switch to Atlético Madrid.
Meanwhile, Burnley attacker Zian Flemming has reportedly been proposed to Leeds by his agents, who are eager to secure the Dutchman another Premier League opportunity following Burnley’s relegation.
Both situations highlight the club’s ambition to target genuine upgrades rather than simply adding depth.
Now, however, Leeds appear to be closing in on what could become their headline signing of the summer — and in Portugal, the move is already being treated as virtually complete.
According to Sport Witness, quoting Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã, Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita is expected to join Leeds United once the season ends.
In an article discussing Sporting’s plans for the summer window, the newspaper reportedly stated outright that “Morita is at the end of his contract and will play for Leeds.”
There was no suggestion that talks were ongoing or uncertain — simply a direct claim that the Japanese international’s next destination is Elland Road.
That marks a notable change in the reporting surrounding the transfer.
Previous stories from Portugal had suggested the move was advancing steadily, while Aston Villa were also mentioned as possible competition for his signature.
Now, though, the latest reports imply that, from Sporting’s side at least, the transfer is essentially done.
Leeds have reportedly admired Morita since last summer, and The Mail recently claimed the midfielder was prepared to join the Whites provided they secured Premier League safety — something they have now achieved.
Morita has quietly established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in Portuguese football over recent years.
Since arriving at Sporting from Santa Clara in 2022, the 31-year-old has made over 150 appearances and helped the club win two Liga Portugal titles.
This season alone, he has featured 49 times in all competitions, contributing one goal and five assists while playing an important role in Sporting’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they eventually met Arsenal.
The experienced midfielder has also earned more than 40 caps for Japan and is expected to feature at this summer’s World Cup.
Adding even more intrigue to the story are reports from Japanese outlet Sports Hochi, via The Chosun Daily, suggesting that Real Madrid have explored the possibility of signing Morita as part of their midfield rebuild.
The reported interest is believed to be linked to José Mourinho, who is strongly tipped to become the next manager at the Bernabéu. Mourinho has long admired Morita and is said to have previously attempted to sign him during spells at both Fenerbahçe and Benfica.
With Morita potentially available on a free transfer, the financial risk would be relatively low for any interested club.
Whether Real Madrid’s admiration is serious or simply connected to Mourinho’s personal preference remains uncertain, but it certainly raises the profile of a player many Leeds supporters may still be unfamiliar with — and one who, if current reports are accurate, could soon be wearing white at Elland Road.
