(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 24 May 2026 19:30, UK

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Lamare Bogarde could be heading into his final weeks as an Aston Villa player, with a move for Sporting CP star Hidemasa Morita looking increasingly likely.

The Japan international is set to depart the Portuguese giants as a free agent this summer, and there are several suitors for him in the Premier League.

Leeds United have been heavily linked with the 31-year-old, and some reports had even suggested that they had an agreement in place that would see them sign him if they stayed in the Premier League.

However, the Villans have now muscled their way into the race to secure Morita’s signature, as they bid to strengthen their hand ahead of a return to the Champions League next term.

Villa want new additions across the board in the coming months, and Unai Emery and Co. are already working to add to their strong options in the midfield.

Hidemasa Morita has his heart set on Aston Villa move

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Morita favours a move to Aston Villa over the chance to join Leeds, due to the chance to continue playing in the Champions League.

News of the Villans’ interest appears to have seen him rethink his stance regarding his next move, with Leeds seemingly having previously been his preferred option.

That could have a drastic effect on the players who are already at Villa Park, given that the middle of the pitch is arguably one of the strongest areas for Emery at the moment.

Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Amadou Onana and the injured Boubacar Kamara are all excellent options and capable of playing Champions League football, and that could spell trouble for Bogarde.

The 22-year-old has managed just 10 starts in the Premier League this term, and the arrival of another midfielder in Morita would force him even further down the pecking order.

Morita’s availability on a free transfer will likely make him a clear priority for Villa this summer, and that could force Bogarde to step towards the exit door in search of regular gametime elsewhere.

Will Brighton’s interest in Lamare Bogarde resurface?

Football Insider revealed back in December that Aston Villa had no interest in selling Bogarde back in January, but that stance could change if they get another midfielder through the door.

Brighton showed a keen interest in the Dutchman in the winter, due to a feeling at the Amex Stadium that he is capable of developing into a key player for a Premier League side.

With that in mind, there is surely a relatively strong chance that the Seagulls would still be keen to sign the youngster this summer, given that there was a long-term view to their previous interest.

Bogarde would provide Villa with a pure profit sale in the context of their PSR standing, and that could be enough for them to totally rethink their previous stance, especially if they land Morita.