With Leeds United looking increasingly likely to stay in the Premier League and just three games left, thoughts are already beginning to shift towards the summer transfer window.
There’s a recognition inside the club that staying up is only the first step, with a second season in the top flight often proving even tougher and likely needing significant investment.
Behind the scenes, Leeds are already putting plans in place to strengthen the squad, focusing on key areas that need improving and identifying potential targets ahead of the summer window.
And it seems the club are now on the verge of finalising the arrival of their first summer signing in the form of Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita on a free transfer.
Leeds are closing in on finalising an agreement with Hidemasa Morita
The 30-year-old midfielder is set to leave Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season following the end of his contract with the club.
He wants to play in the Premier League, and Leeds have been in advanced talks with the midfielder’s representatives over signing him on a free transfer.
Leeds have no problems in meeting his wage demands, and according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, the club are now ‘one step away’ from signing him.
Negotiations are at an advanced stage, and the two sides are close to finalising the terms of a contract between Leeds and Morita.
The Whites have prepared a two-year contract with an option of another year, and an agreement is now close between the club and the player’s representatives.
With Premier League survival virtually guaranteed, Leeds have pressed the accelerator in their efforts to land one of their top midfield targets ahead of the summer.
Leeds believe Morita will add more top-level experience to the squad as the club look to take the next step after surviving the first season back in the Premier League.
The club may need to sell a midfielder or two
Midfield is one of the few positions where Leeds have decent depth this season, so any new arrival would probably mean someone else moving on.
Morita would be a real statement signing, especially given the level of interest from top clubs in England and across Europe ahead of the summer window.
But if Leeds do push ahead with a move, they would almost certainly need to free up space in midfield first.
Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach remain important players for the side, while Ao Tanaka has recently shown exactly why he should stay at Elland Road.
With that in mind, the decision could come down to either Sean Longstaff or Ilia Gruev making way if another midfielder arrives this summer.
