The 49ers are now closing in on signing their next Leeds Tanaka

Before the ball was kicked off this season, if you had offered Leeds United fans Premier League survival and an FA Cup semi-final – they would have snapped your hand.

However, Daniel Farke’s impressive performance during 2025/26 has enabled fans to achieve more than they thought possible after promotion.

Although it is not yet statistically confirmed, the Whites are now guaranteed to be in England’s top flight at the start of August.

Because of this, the manager and the club must turn their attention to the recruitment process and decide on the future of many players at Elland Road.

Travel should be a priority for the German and his staff, with any exit without hesitation supporting their ability to secure their transfer targets when the window opens.

Leeds are now set to complete their first signing of the summer

Although the transfer window doesn’t open until early June, Leeds have already made a few summer signings for Farke’s squad.

Feyenoord talisman Ayase Ueda has been singled out for the Whites, with his 26 goals in all competitions undoubtedly catching the eye.

However, if they want to complete any deal for the 27-year-old, they will have to fend off interest from Tottenham Hotspur to sign the attacker.

Ueda is not the only option they are currently eyeing, with Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita another option being heavily considered ahead of the summer.

According to A Bola, the Whites have offered the Japanese star a contract before the summer, and his current contract in Portugal will expire at the end of June.

The report also reveals that the player himself said he will not renew his contract, as the 30-year-old continues to express his desire to play in the Premier League.

A deal to sign the player is ‘developing very well’ and the move is said to be ‘very close’ to being completed before the summer window.

West Ham United have also been credited with an interest, but it seems Farke’s side have already crossed the line and won the race for his signature.

Why Morita will be Leeds’ next Ao Tanaka

Signing unknown Japanese midfielders has not been uncommon for Leeds in recent years, as seen with the £4m deal to sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf in the summer of 2024.

Very few Whites fans know what to expect from the 27-year-old, but it’s safe to say he has exceeded all expectations during his nearly two-year stay in Yorkshire.

He was instrumental in the club’s title-winning campaign last season and has made 25 appearances in England’s top flight this season.

Tanaka often comes up with important moments at Elland Road, as seen with his two league goals in 2025/26, including a wonder in the win over Chelsea.

However, the management now have a great opportunity to emulate such a deal by completing a move for Sporting star CP Morita when the transfer window opens.

The deal appears to be entering the final stages at the moment, which could see Farke’s side secure – particularly the acquisition of an experienced star on a free transfer.

Morita has played 47 times in all competitions this season, including 11 in the Champions League, showing his ability to play at the highest level.

His statistics in the ongoing campaign highlight his quality at both ends, which could make him a vital part of the back-three system in 2026/27.

The veteran midfielder has made 2.6 tackles per 90 this campaign, and has also come out on top with 4.9 tackles per 90.

He’s also won 60% of his aerial battles so far, along with a 5.9 ball recovery per 90 – ranking him in the top 10% of midfielders in Portugal’s top flight.

With ball handling, the Japanese star is equally good, as evidenced by his excellent figures of 86% pass completion while creating 1.1 chances in 90 this term.

Acquiring such a talent on a free transfer would be a fantastic piece of business from Leeds’ management and could start the club’s summer business.

His experience at the highest level of the European game could be crucial in their efforts to rise up the table next season and cash in on the top 8.

If he can replicate Tanaka’s impact at Yorkshire, it would be a fantastic signing and potentially beneficial to the club’s trophy hunt.