Marko Arnautovic in action with Udinese's Jaka Bijol. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)
After securing a return to the Premier League, Leeds United are preparing for the step up—both on and off the pitch.
Despite their impressive Championship campaign under Daniel Farke, club officials are fully aware that survival in the top flight will require reinforcements, particularly in midfield, where quality, depth, and experience will be crucial.
Among the names being considered is Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita, a 63-cap Japan international who could be available for a cut-price fee of just £17 million this summer. According to a report from Football Transfer Tavern, Leeds have been linked with a potential move, and the player is believed to be open to a Premier League switch.
Morita, who is capable of playing in both holding and box-to-box roles, has been praised for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, and ability to shield the defence—qualities that could prove vital in Leeds’ return to the top tier.
The 29-year-old made 38 appearances across all competitions last season for Sporting, helping the Portuguese giants secure a domestic league title and Champions League qualification. That level of pedigree, combined with his international experience and positional versatility, make him a tempting option as Leeds look to build a squad capable of staying up.
Leeds In Discussions for Bijol
Another player who could be Elland Road-bound soon is Udinese star Jaka Bijol.
According to Sky Sports, the Lilywhites are currently holding discussions with the Serie A club over a deal for the Slovenia international, who has been capped 63 times by his country. The two clubs are reportedly negotiating a fee, which The Yorkshire Evening Post claims will be around £17 million.
Bijol, 26, made 37 appearances for Udinese in all competitions last season, scoring twice and helping the team to a respectable 12th-place finish in Serie A. His solid domestic form carried over to the international stage too—he was a standout performer for Slovenia at Euro 2024, where they reached the Round of 16 before being narrowly knocked out by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on penalties.
A composed, intelligent presence on the ball and dominant in the air, Bijol has drawn praise for his versatility. Former CSKA Moscow manager Viktor Goncharenko, who coached him earlier in his career, said: “Bijol is a versatile player who has shown great maturity and adaptability. His ability to play both in midfield and defence has been invaluable to the team.”
With Leeds targeting players who offer both top-level experience and tactical flexibility, Bijol’s profile fits the bill perfectly. If the Whites are to stay up next season, signings like Morita and Bijol—players with elite-level nous and positional adaptability—could prove decisive.
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