Leeds United are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window – once it opens next month – thanks to their resurgent Premier League form.
The Whites have struggled towards the bottom of the table for much of the 2025/26 season but they are on a six-game unbeaten streak and sit fourth in the form table for the last six matches, moving clear of the relegation zone as a result.
It would take a turnaround of epic proportions to see them relegated back to the Championship now, with a seven-point cushion between themselves and West Ham in 18th place.
Leeds lined up transfer a year ago
Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in keeping Leeds in the top flight and his attention, once Premier League survival is officially confirmed, will be on what he and the club can do in the summer transfer window.
Their first signing may not be too far away, however, with reports that a move for Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita is close.
Portuguese publication A Bola report that Morita’s destination in the summer is “already decided” with Leeds having put in the groundwork for a deal in the last year.
The 30-year-old will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer at the end of his contract and Elland Road is likely to be his next stop.
Morita has had an offer from the Whites since last summer and has always been interested in finishing his career in England, but made it clear that he wanted to play his football in the Premier League, not the Championship.
Once Leeds confirm their status as a top flight side next season, it is likely Morita will be announced as having agreed a deal to move to Elland Road once his contract in Portugal expires on June 30.
Leeds star has already spoken to Morita
Morita is capable of playing in the No.6 or the No.8 position in the middle of the park and would offer Farke added strength in depth alongside Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Sean Longstaff and Japan teammate Ao Tanaka, who has already put in groundwork himself on convincing Morita to join the club.
He said: “I have told him about the atmosphere at Elland Road. Hidemasa has the quality and the mentality to make an immediate impact here. We played together at Kawasaki, and I know he is ready for this stage.”
Morita has been a regular starter for Sporting CP this season, named in the starting lineup for 21 of the capital club’s 32 matches so far. He has one goal and five assists to his name in 47 appearances in all competitions.
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