Leeds United are reportedly deep in discussions over a move for Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita as they look to strengthen their Premier League squad this summer.
The Japanese international is set to become a free agent when his contract in Lisbon expires, making him an attractive and cost-effective option for manager Daniel Farke.
Morita has made 166 appearances for Sporting, scoring 11 goals and registering 16 assists, while accumulating 334 career club appearances in total across spells at Kawasaki, Santa Clara, and RFU.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds had already been weighing up a move for Southampton’s Shea Charles, with the Northern Ireland international valued at around £20m.
However, the same report reveals that “extensive talks” have been held regarding a deal for the 31-year-old Morita, suggesting he may well be the preferred target at Elland Road.
Farke already has the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff in central midfield, but injuries to Longstaff and Ilia Gruev have highlighted a clear need for reinforcements.
Writer Zach Lowy previously hailed Morita as “one of the best midfielders in Portugal,” while analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson has described him as “so reliable” and “so consistent” at the highest level.
Mattinson also once labelled Morita the “most underrated player at Sporting,” a tag that suggests Leeds could be securing a genuinely underappreciated talent ahead of their second Premier League season.
In terms of statistics, Morita averaged an 86% pass accuracy rate last season, edging out Charles at 85%, and lost the ball just 7.3 times per game compared to the Southampton midfielder’s 9.2.
He started 23 games last season, recording five goals and assists combined, which closely mirrors Charles’ output, though Morita appeared noticeably more composed and tidy in possession throughout.
Charles, who scored what looked to be a decisive goal to send Southampton to Wembley, has been tipped as a “future £60m” player by EFL expert Ali Maxwell, underlining his long-term potential.
Despite those flashes of quality, the 22-year-old started only 22 Championship games last season, having never fully established himself since joining from Manchester City in 2023.
Leeds’ recent recruitment strategy has leaned on experienced professionals, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Karl Darlow, and James Justin all playing key roles in the club’s top-flight survival last term.
Morita fits neatly into that philosophy, offering Farke a ready-made, proven operator as the club braces for what is likely to be another challenging campaign in 2026/27.
Charles may represent an exciting long-term investment, but Morita’s availability on a free transfer and his proven consistency at a high level make him a compelling option for Leeds right now.