Leeds United ready Hidemasa Morita transfer with 49ers promotion gift set
Leeds United are aiming to bolster their squad as the West Yorkshire giants close in on the Premier League.
The Whites sit top of the Championship table with just four games to go after their 2-1 victory over Preston on Saturday, five points clear of Sheffield United in third.
Daniel Farke’s men can further strengthen their grip on an automatic promotion spot with a win at Oxford on Good Friday, potentially sealing promotion on Easter Monday.
Leeds set their sights on Hidemasa Morita
The Elland Road club must bolster their squad if they clinch promotion to the Premier League.
Portuguese newspaper Record has reported in its print edition [17 April, pg 3] that Farke’s men are interested in signing Sporting midfielder Hidemasa Morita.
It is said that Leeds will only move forward with a concrete proposal if they seal promotion to the Premier League, while the 29-year-old is keen to move on.
Morita’s contract with Sporting expires in 2026, so this summer presents the Portuguese club with one of their last opportunities to cash in.
Morita could be a great addition for Leeds
Leeds will be looking to add quality to their squad amid their efforts to survive in the Premier League next season, and Morita could be an ideal acquisition.
The Japan international has made seven Champions League appearances this season, as well as 19 appearances in Liga Portugal.
| Hidemasa Morita stats [FotMob] | Champions League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Starts | 4 |
| Pass accuracy % | 84.1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Goals | 0 |
Morita has notched two goals and three assists this term, and has helped Sporting in their title-chasing efforts, while they currently sit top of the league before they clash with Moreirense on Friday.
The 29-year-old has not featured for Rui Borges’ men since last month, after picking up an injury on international duty with Japan in a 2-0 win over Bahrain on 20 March.
Morita was consequently replaced by Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka, whom he could link up with at Elland Road if Farke’s men win promotion to the Premier League.
Tanaka’s presence in West Yorkshire could help Morita settle into his new surroundings if he makes the switch from Sporting, with this one to keep an eye on already.
The 49ers appear to be ready for some promotion gifts, Farke just has to get over the line.