Hidemasa Morita
Leeds United have rekindled their interest Sporting’s Hidemasa Morita for the summer window.
The Premier League side looked at him last summer but didn’t go through with a move to bring him to Elland Road.
Despite that, the Whites haven’t forgotten the midfielder and now have an easy route to secure his services.
Morita joined the Portuguese club from Santa Clara in 2022 and has played 153 games, managing 10 goals and 13 assists.
Last season, he had 1,294 minutes from 23 league matches. The Japan international has so far played 1,220 minutes from 20 league games this season. Below is the comparison of his data [this season first] between these two campaigns.
Expected Goals: 0.30 – 1.62
Shots on target: 0 – 0.2
Expected Assists: 0 – 2.53
Big chances created: 1 – 5
Interceptions: 0-6 – 0.5
Dribbled past: 0.6 – 0.4
Ground duels won: 2.7 – 2.8
Yellow cards: 3 – 1
Although his form this season seems to have dropped, Leeds United plan to return for him in the next window.
Last June, Sport Witness covered claims from Portugal about the English club’s interest. Fast forward to March and Saturday’s edition of A Bola has a report on Leeds being his likely destination.
Leeds United return for Morita
The 30-year-old is now back on the Premier League side’s agenda, and the latter can take advantage of his contract situation.
Last summer, the Whites showed keen interest but refused to meet the Lions’ €10m price. There was a belief the price was too high when compared to contract situation.
The Japan international, who will turn 31 in May, has three months left on his contract. He has no plans to sign an extension and will leave Sporting as a free agent.
Leeds United are his ‘likely destination’ and can secure his services for free, a year after refusing to meet Sporting’s demand.
He picked up injuries last season but has been fit since September. This is another factor that favours Daniel Farke’s side to sign him.
Morita dreams of playing in England and can fulfil that by moving to Elland Road. He was left out of Japan squad for the upcoming international break but could make it to the World Cup.
If this were to happen, Leeds United could potentially face competition from other clubs.
Morita’s value and agent info
Transfermarkt value him at €9m, a drop of €2m since September 2025. His highest was €15m in June 2024.
Hidemasa Morita is represented by British agency CAA Base, and their client list includes his compatriot and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka. This connection may make it easier for Farke’s side to sign Morita for free in the summer.
🇷🇺 Eduard Spertsyan | Player speaks about Leeds United and Southampton
➡️ Enjoyed working with Daniel Farke
✅ Thinks #SAFC failure may have been for best
❌ Hasn’t got agent anymore
➡️ Still wants move
…complicated does not sufficiently cover it 👇https://t.co/D8tR995xI2
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 4, 2026