Leeds United Delay Hidemasa Morita Transfer Amid Ligue 1 Interest

Leeds United have delayed signing Hidemasa Morita, opening the door for Marseille, Monaco and Lyon to monitor the situation. Morita, 31, former Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder, is on holiday and still without a club, awaiting talks with Leeds United to reach a concrete resolution. Morita recorded 166 appearances, 11 goals and 17 assists over four seasons at Sporting Clube de Portugal, offering versatility across six and eight positions; his stated ambition is Premier League football, and Leeds United secured top‑flight status with a 1‑1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in May. Daniel Farke wants a possession‑based system and sees Morita as a key piece; transfer insider Nicolo Schira noted the player was one signature away, warning that further delay could invite bids from the interested Ligue 1 clubs. A photo by Justin Setterfield shows Noni Madueke of Arsenal FC competing for the ball with Morita during a UEFA Champions League 2025/26 quarter‑final second leg match in London.