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Leeds United could land “complete” midfielder for bargain £6.8 million this summer
Leeds United were officially crowned Championship champions over the weekend after a dramatic 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.
Plymouth took an early lead in the 18th minute through a Sam Byram own goal, leaving Leeds chasing the game. But Daniel Farke’s men rallied in the second half, levelling the score shortly after the restart thanks to Wilfried Gnonto, who fired home from close range following a low cross from Manor Solomon.
Solomon turned match-winner in extra time, curling a brilliant effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The Israeli winger was mobbed by teammates as the away end erupted in celebration, knowing the title was now firmly in Leeds’ grasp.
Following the match, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe confirmed that head coach Daniel Farke would remain in charge for their Premier League campaign next season.
Daniel Farke. (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
“I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him,” Marathe told BBC Radio Leeds. “I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons, the three promoted teams came straight back down — but we have something they didn’t. We have Daniel Farke, first of all.”
When asked if he had put an end to speculation over the manager’s future, Marathe replied: “I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”
Leeds Eye Sporting Lisbon Midfielder Hidemasa Morita
With promotion secured, Leeds are now turning their attention to summer reinforcements as they prepare for the challenges of Premier League survival.
One name heavily linked with a move to Elland Road is Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita. According to Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness, Leeds are “well placed” to sign the 29-year-old Japan international in a cut-price deal.
Morita joined Sporting for just £3.5 million in 2022 and has since become a key player, with a reported £38.4 million release clause in his contract. However, with his current deal set to expire next summer, Sporting may be forced to sell him now to avoid losing him for free.
The report claims that the Portuguese side would be willing to let Morita go for just £6.8 million — a fee that fits well within Leeds’ summer transfer budget.
Described as a “complete” midfielder by former Sporting boss and current Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, Morita remains highly rated in Lisbon. But with the player open to a new challenge and the lure of Premier League football on the table, Leeds could well land their man in the weeks ahead.
