Sources: Aston Villa confident of winning race against Leeds to sign UCL midfielder
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(Credit: Imago) Mon 18 May 2026 13:15, UK Aston Villa feel that they are well-placed to muscle ahead of Leeds United and secure the signature of Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita this summer, sources have told Football Insider.Unai Emery and Co. are understood to be “hopeful” that they can beat their Premier League rivals to a deal, despite the Whites being continually linked with the departing star in recent weeks. Aston Villa are keen to strengthen their hand this summer, but must work against a backdrop of PSR restrictions, and that has seen them take an interest in Morita on a free. 🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom.
VISIT THE VILLA TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Door still open for Aston Villa to snatch Hidemasa MoritaLinks between Morita and a move to Leeds have been growing ever stronger in recent weeks, with several reports even suggesting that a deal had even been all-but agreed at one stage. The Japan international was believed to be keen to make the move to Elland Road, provided that the team secured their Premier League status, but Villa now believe they have a strong chance of preventing that.StatsMorita TotalsApps 31 (23)G/A5Chances Created per 900.98Pass Accuracy86.4%Tackles per 902.4Duels Won per 904.86Morita’s 2025-26 league stats, as per Fotmob.The second city outfit are trying to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, and feel that Morita could be a strong, cost-effective option for them.
The deal will happen provided they stay up in the Premier League.(Source: @abolapt) pic.twitter.com/q5NLMoVuBQ— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 6, 2026 View Tweet He has only ever played in Japan and Portugal at this stage of his career, but he now looks set to receive the chance to test himself in the Premier League in 2026-27. Youri Tielemans has settled on his Villa futureFootball Insider revealed last weekend that Youri Tielemans is “increasingly likely” to stay at Villa this summer, despite heavy interest from elsewhere ahead of the window.