Leeds United 'rekindle' interest in Sporting Lisbon midfield anchor and 40-cap Japan star Hidemasa Morita
Leeds United 'rekindle' interest in 40-cap Japan international Hidemasa Morita
Leeds United have reportedly rekindled interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita.
The 30-year-old has previously been linked with the Whites, who were named as admirers of the vastly experienced midfield anchor earlier this year.
He has been on the books of Sporting since 2022, when he was signed from fellow Portuguese outfit Santa Clara.
Leeds United ‘rekindle interest’ in Sporting Lisbon man
It was suggested Morita was keen on testing himself in the Premier League, a claim that has now resurfaced with the opening of the summer transfer window edging closer.
According to Mail Online, Leeds have revived their interest in Morita and view him as someone who could provide competition for Ethan Ampadu.
The report has claimed Morita is willing to commit to the move once Leeds have secured their Premier League safety, which they are close to doing.
A move to West Yorkshire would reunite Morita with Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka, who he has played with on the international stage. Morita has been capped by Japan on 40 occasions and registered six goals for the national team.
Leeds United linked with Japan internationals
Morita is not the only Japan international to have been linked with Leeds, as two of his compatriots have been reported as potential targets in recent days.
There has been talk of interest in Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito, as well as free-scoring Feyenoord marksman Ayase Ueda.
Both Ito and Ueda featured for Japan last month as they picked up a surprise friendly win against England at Wembley.
It remains to be seen who Leeds will sign this summer, but fans can expect an ambitious window if another season of Premier League football is secured.
The Whites could take a significant stride towards survival with a win over already-relegated Burnley on Friday (May 1).