Max Wilkins

Thu 7 May 2026 14:00, UK

Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign Hidemasa Morita from Sporting CP this summer.

The Villans have all eyes on securing Champions League qualification, but are still working behind the scenes ahead of the transfer window.

There is a feeling that a total revamp is needed in the Midlands after an up-and-down campaign under Unai Emery.

Midfield feels like an area that certainly needs refreshing after so many injury concerns throughout the season.

Morita could come in at Villa Park to solve a problem, with talks already well underway ahead of a move from Sporting Lisbon.

Hidemasa Morita opens talks ahead of Sporting CP exit

There have been so many fitness concerns in the middle of park for the Villans that a summer signing would make total sense.

The Japan international may prove to be a shrewd addition as he edges towards the end of his contract at Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Rui Borges has certainly gotten the best out of the 30-year-old this campaign as he remains a regular in Liga Portugal and the Champions League.

That has prompted interest from Villa Park with TEAMtalk reporting via X on Thursday that the claret and blue outfit are monitoring Morita closely.

Brighton and Porto are also keeping tabs on the Japanese midfielder, while Leeds United are said to be in advanced talks and are seen as favourites to sign the number five.

Considering how long Villa have been without Boubacar Kamara, this sort of signing could prove to be wise this summer.

Who is Aston Villa target Morita?

The defensive midfielder is vastly experienced, having broken through into senior football back in 2018 with J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.

After 105 appearances there, he moved to Santa Clara in Portugal, before a latest move to Sporting CP back in the summer of 2022.

He has gone on to be a regular with the Portuguese giants and has won two league titles on his way.

Morita is a typical defensive midfielder and is known for his combative nature and tackling in the middle of the park.

That is tied in with an excellent eye for a pass, which has seen him clock up four Liga Portugal assists this campaign.

It is no surprise that Villa are interested, but they will need to jump ahead of Leeds in the queue if they are to land his signature.