Ruben Amorim has already told Leeds why they need to sign Hidemasa Morita as transfer news emerges
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Credit: Imago, Sporting Clube de Portugal on YouTube Thu 30 April 2026 10:44, UK Hidemasa Morita is attracting interest from Leeds United ahead of a potential summer move as a free agent.The 30-year-old is out of contract at Sporting CP at the end of the season, and is reportedly willing to commit to a move to Elland Road.Morita has made 46 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese side this season, and remains a key cog in Rui Borges’ system.Sporting fans have called for the Japan international to be given a new contract, but he appears to be destined for the exit.Leeds transfer chiefs would have seen Morita in action against Arsenal last month, with his side ultimately knocked out of the Champions League quarter-final. 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ruben Amorim loved Hidemasa MoritaFootball Insider exclusively revealed that Ao Tanaka could be set to stay at Leeds this summer, despite the speculation surrounding his future.The midfielder is expected to go to this summer’s World Cup with Morita and Japan, and the pair could well be playing together at Elland Road next season.
Hidemasa MoritaStats – Liga Portugal 2025-26Appearances28Goals/assists 1/3Chances created18Tackles48Recoveries111Duels won92Morita’s career was spent entirely in his home nation before 2021, when he joined Portuguese side Santa Clara on a free transfer. The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that Leeds are readying a move to sign Morita on a free transfer this summer.Now sacked Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim brought Morita to the club and spent two seasons with him before his departure in 2024.
Speaking in 2022 before Sporting played Tottenham in the Champions League, he said: “All coaches should train at least one Japanese player to understand what it means to be a player who is always ready to help the team.“He apologises a thousand times a day, he’s very respectful, he plays in any position, he always wants to learn. I’m very happy with him and I’m glad we chose him for the value he brought and the man he is.”What type of player is Morita?Morita is far from afraid to get in the box and finish well, but his best work comes in the middle of the park.The midfielder is all-action, able to find an inch-perfect pass in one moment before putting in a crunching tackle in the next.