When Leeds united were promoted, the club managed to bring in 10 new first team stars. And at this point of the season, the Whites can consider most of these moves a success.
Leeds brought in a new goalkeeper, some defenders and midfielders. The club only signed three attackers – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor. All three have turned out to be successes as they have contributed the most goals to the team this season.
Ao Tanaka was signed last year, and he came in and immediately became a starter. However this season, the Japanese international has been out of favour and spent most of the campaign on the bench. Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach have been the regular midfield pairing with all the other options rotating at a point in the season.
Midfielder could join Leeds United on one condition
Reports have suggested that Ao Tanaka could look for a way out ahead of next season. Despite his limited appearances this season, he has caught the eye of clubs in England and Germany. There is nothing to suggest Leeds could sell the midfielder, but the next couple of months could change things.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita is set to leave the club. He will not renew his contract with the Champions League side and is set to be a free agent come this summer. Leeds United were interested in Morita last year, and per the report, they are set to continue their pursuit at the end of the season. Morita is said to only want a move to Elland Road to play in the Premier League, which the Whites are on course to secure. The move is said to be ‘advanced’ with sources confident that a deal will be reached in the coming months.
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Under the radar deals have worked well for Daniel Farke
Leeds have splashed the cash on transfers over the years, but their track record with bargains has been very impressive. Signing Illan Meslier for around £5 million was a solid move a few years ago. And the likes of Jayden Bogle, and Ethan Ampadu all cost less than £10 million individually. Last season, Ao Tanaka was brought in for close to £4 million and ended up being one of the best players in the team. It looks like all these signings have worked well under Daniel Farke, and this potential move for Hidemasa Morita could follow. The midfielder has experience in the Champions League, and has won in the Portuguese top flight; he would be a wonderful addition to this Leeds United side.
