Ajax's attempt to sign 30-year-old central midfielder Hidemasa Morita during the winter transfer window failed due to circumstances beyond their control. The Japanese player was initially allowed to move to Amsterdam because his club, Sporting CP, had secured a replacement. However, the deal was ultimately cancelled after Sporting's intended new signing failed their medical examination, which blocked Morita's transfer. Morita, who has 40 caps and 6 goals for Japan, has made 17 appearances in Liga Portugal this season, providing one assist. His contract with Sporting runs until June 2026. He joined the club in July 2022 for a fee that was reported to be €3.8 million, and his current market value is €9.00m, according to Transfermarkt. Throughout 2025, Sporting's asking price was reported to be €10 million. This figure was also cited as an upper limit for a bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers in February 2025. Beşiktaş has also been mentioned in connection with the player.