Leeds in extensive talks to sign top-class midfielder

From Elliot Anderson to Mateus Fernandes, it’s a summer window that appears set to be dominated by midfield moves, with Leeds United seemingly set to join the party.

On the face of it, it would appear that the Whites do boast real depth and quality in the midfield ranks, with manager Daniel Farke able to call upon the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, as well as 2025 arrivals Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.

There’s always room for improvement, however, while the likes of Longstaff and Ilia Gruev have been hampered by injury of late, thus heightening the need for reinforcements.

The Yorkshire side may not have the means to pull off marquee deals like that of Anderson’s impending £120m plus switch to Manchester City, although there’s still value to be had in the market…

Leeds already holding talks to seal midfield signing

Much of the talk so far has been centred around the defensive unit at Elland Road, with reports last week suggesting that personal terms had been agreed with Sporting CP defender, Ousmane Diomande.

Fellow centre-back, Natan, could also be the subject of a formal approach, according to Football FanCast sources, with Farke seemingly intent on strengthening the spine of his team this summer.

That could well go right through from striker to goalkeeper, amid links to Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, although central midfield won’t be overlooked either, if reports are to be believed.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are said to be weighing up a bid for Southampton’s Shea Charles, with the Northern Ireland international valued at around £20m.

Charles, who missed out on promotion amid the Saints’ ‘Spygate’ scandal’, isn’t the only option on the agenda, however, with the report also revealing that ‘extensive talks’ have been held regarding a move for experienced Japanese star, Hidemasa Morita.

The 31-year-old, who currently plies his trade alongside Diomande in Lisbon, is set to be a free agent this summer when his contract expires.

How Morita compares to Charles as a midfield option

Charles, the scorer of what looked to be the key goal to send Southampton to Wembley, did enjoy a promising season back at St Mary’s, having previously spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

He’s a versatile, exciting talent – tipped to be a “future £60m” player later down the line by EFL expert Ali Maxwell – although one concern would be that he wasn’t actually a regular starter in the Championship last season, despite his moments of magic.

In all, he did score and assist four goals, yet started only 22 games, having not truly enjoyed a smooth ride of things since signing from Manchester City back in 2023.

As for Morita, at 31 he would represent a more short-term signing, and one with little resale value, although, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin showcased last season, sometimes you can ignore a ready-made, experienced fit.

Indeed, it wasn’t too long ago that writer Zach Lowy was hailing Morita as “one of the best midfielders in Portugal“, having already proven himself over a sustained period now at the elite level.

Charles may have had his ups and downs, but Morita has been “so reliable” and “so consistent” in the view of analyst and Como scout, Ben Mattinson, the type of figures deserving of a shot at Premier League life.

His record last season wasn’t too dissimilar to that of Charles’, having started 23 games and recorded five goals and assists, although he looked particularly impressive in possession.

A neat and tidy operator, Morita averaged an 86% pass accuracy rate, ahead of Charles (85%), while also proving less erratic in possession, losing the ball just 7.3 times per game, again ahead of the Saints starlet (9.2).

There is always an appetite for young, up-and-coming signings, yet much of Leeds’ success last term was built on an experienced core, be it Calvert-Lewin, Karl Darlow or James Justin.

Adding Morita into the mix would be a continuation of that trend, another soldier for Farke to rely on in what will likely be another fight to avoid the drop in 2026/27.

In Mattinson’s view, he was the “most underrated player at Sporting” not too long ago, with this potentially another signing who can go under the radar before surprising a few in the Premier League.

Charles, still learning his craft in the Championship, might be one for the future, but Morita could be for the here and now.