Hidemasa Morita shouting in Sporting CP kit alongside Shea Charles playing for Northern Ireland

Morita/CharlesImago

Leeds United revive Hidemasa Morita talks after latest on Shea Charles

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor responsible for daily news flow, sub-hub management, and maintaining editorial standards across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, and verified reporting. THE BRIEF Former Leeds United correspondent Mark has risen through the ranks at Breaking Media Limited to manage the network’s daily output. He works between the reporters and the experts to ensure the data and the news are applied correctly to every story.

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22 Jun 2026, 6:20 am

Leeds United are clearly on the lookout to strengthen their midfield ranks this summer already.

At first glance, Daniel Farke would presumably be happy with the depth he has in the middle of the park at Elland Road.

Ethan Ampadu has signed a new contract, with Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev around him.

But, that hasn't stopped the German from pushing for a new signing.

Gruev is injured and having versatility is critical in the Premier League, so it makes sense that Shea Charles and Hidemasa Morita are being looked at.

It looks highly likely that Charles is the number one target right now, but Morita can't be written off, not just yet.

Shea Charles bid doesn't end Leeds pursuit of Hidemasa Morita

A trend of this summer window already has been free agents.

Leeds are said to be looking at both Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt, both available for nothing if a deal can be done.

Morita falls into that category, too.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds have actually bid upwards of £20million for Southampton star, Charles.

Talks are said to be progressing and a deal does look closer, but contingency plans are in place.

It is reported that Leeds have revived talks with Morita over a possible deal, but Charles suits the wanted profile more.

Shea Charles close to Leeds United transfer after latest on bid overnight

Who will Leeds United sign in midfield?

All eyes are firmly on Charles right now.

The midfield maestro can also play at full-back, and has even filled in at central defence, something that could be made easier by Farke's formation.

For example, if needed, he could fill in on the right of the back three at Elland Road, where Joe Rodon is known for his runs forward.

Having Charles or Tanaka alongside Ampadu could also allow Stach to move further forward and have more freedom in the final third.

Paying more than £20m may be questioned, but if Wilson, Brandt or both also join him, that fee won't change and Leeds could secure three game-changing transfers for it.

Either way, Leeds have been waiting for their moment to strike, and they may have just got it absolutely spot on.

As for Morita, it appears unlikely that he signs at this stage, revived talks or not.

Sean Longstaff