The player will join Leeds this summer despite Real Madrid’s alleged interest

Leeds are likely to beat La Liga giants Real Madrid to the signing of one player, who is set to make a run at Elland Road.

The 49ers plan for 26/27 after a strong Leeds campaign

Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League was all about survival, and they achieved it.

Daniel Farke’s side can now look forward to the summer confident of being in the top flight again next year.

That transparency is important, because it opens doors to the money transfer market that would otherwise remain closed.

The recruitment department is already operational.

Earlier this week, we reported on Leeds’ failed pursuit of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, who turned down what was described as a high financial offer to join Atlético Madrid.

Zian Flemming of Burnley is reported to have been promised to the club by his representatives, and the agents are in contact as the axed striker wants to go to the Premier League.

Both stories point to a club striving for meaningful development, not just squad fillers.

Now, a large part of the business income seems to be starting to work – and in Portugal, it is already being talked about as if it is over.

Sporting CP star Hidemasa Morita ‘will play for Leeds’

According to Sport Witness, quoting Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita’s move to Leeds was presented as a fact.

In a report focusing on Sporting’s summer plans, the newspaper simply listed the 31-year-old among the expected players, writing that “Morita is at the end of his contract and will play for Leeds.”

There is no hiding, no mention of ongoing negotiations, a direct statement of where the player will be next season.

A noticeable change in tone.

Previous Portuguese reports have described the move as ongoing or increasingly likely, with Aston Villa mentioned as potential suitors last week.

But the latest draft suggests – at least from Sporting’s point of view – that the deal has been successfully resolved.

Leeds have been tracking Morita since last summer, and The Mail recently reported that he is finally ready to commit to the Whites under the condition of avoiding relegation, which they have now.

Morita has been one of the most underrated midfielders in Portuguese football over the past four years.

Since joining Sporting from Santa Clara in 2022, he has made over 150 appearances and won two Liga titles.

This season alone, he has played 49 times in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing five assists while playing a key role in Sporting’s run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, against Arsenal.

He has played over 40 games for Japan and is expected to be part of their World Cup squad this summer.

Making the story even more interesting is a report from Japanese outlet Sports Hochi, cited by Chosun Daily, which claims that Real Madrid are looking to sign Morita as part of a midfield rebuild – possibly thanks to José Mourinho.

Mourinho, who is expected to take over at the Bernabeu this summer, has admired the player for many years and reportedly tried to bring him to Fenerbahçe and Benfica in the past.

Since Morita is available on a free transfer, the financial barrier will be minimal.

Whether Real’s interest is genuine or just a reflection of Mourinho’s preferences remains to be seen, but it adds a layer of prominence to a player Leeds fans may not know much about – and who, if the Portuguese press are to be believed, will be pulling on the white shirt at Elland Road before too long.