Sporting: Leeds increasingly safe, Morita increasingly… close

Morita has been in excellent form for Sporting recently, but his departure at the end of the season is a foregone conclusion, with Leeds United – the very club that won the English championship in 1991/92 – his likely destination.

The Japanese midfielder, whose contract with the Alvalade club is expiring, has had an offer from the Peacocks since last season, and their interest has not waned. However, the number 5 recently made it clear that he intends to spend the final phase of his career – he's nearing 31 – in England, but with one condition: it must be with a top-flight club.

In the last matchday, Daniel Farke's side secured a crucial 3-1 victory against already-relegated Burnley, significantly boosting their survival hopes. With three games remaining in the world's most prominent league, they now hold a seven-point advantage over West Ham, the first team below the relegation zone.

Unlike most European leagues, the primary tie-breaker in the Premier League isn't head-to-head record, but rather goal difference. In this regard, the Elland Road outfit boasts a remarkably comfortable lead over the Hammers (minus five compared to minus 19).

Morita's transfer to northern England, as reported by A BOLA, is well advanced for several reasons. One is that it would be a free transfer for Leeds, incurring no costs. Another is the versatility that Sporting's (still) number 5 offers, as he can play both as a number six and a number eight in midfield.

The genesis of this English interest lies with German coach Daniel Farke, who aims to return to the original tenets of his coaching career and focus more on possession-based football rather than transition play. Currently, he lacks midfielders who can fully implement this style, but he is convinced that Morita – an excellent strategist in positional play – can provide what he needs.

Therefore, Morita is preparing to say sayonara (goodbye), but with the commitment of a samurai until the very end… and the path to Leeds is becoming increasingly clear. Staying at Alvalade would require an almost complete reversal of the current situation...