Liverpool and Tottenham monitor Kaoru Mitoma as Brighton contract talks stall

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma is entering the final year of his contract, and according to TeamTalk, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation closely. No breakthrough in extension talks has been made, and a hamstring injury has complicated Brighton's position.

  • Players involved: Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion)
  • Clubs monitoring: Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Bayern Munich (reported interest)
  • Contract situation: Entering the last season of his current deal; signed a four-year extension in October 2023 through to 30 June 2027
  • Injury status: Hamstring injury suffered in May ended his 2025-26 season and ruled him out of the World Cup; currently on a cautious rehabilitation programme
  • What's at stake: Brighton risk losing him for nothing in 2027 if no extension is agreed

Deal details

Mitoma signed a four-year extension in October 2023, committing him to Brighton until 30 June 2027 on a reported £80,000 per week, placing him among the club's stronger earners. However, no new agreement has been reached despite earlier hopes, and he is now approaching the final stretch of that deal. The source states that Tottenham and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on developments, with Bayern Munich also repeatedly mentioned. No fee or formal bid has been reported.

Injury and availability

Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury in May, which ended his 2025-26 season and ruled him out of the World Cup. He is currently on a cautious rehabilitation programme, and until he returns to regular action and shows his usual sharpness, the level of January urgency may be reduced. Clubs are reportedly weighing whether to move early at a reduced fee or wait for a potential free transfer in 2027.

Why Tottenham and Liverpool are circling

Kaoru Mitoma is a proven Premier League winger with high-level one-versus-one threat, and his contract situation makes him an attractive opportunity. For Tottenham, the prospect of a reunion with manager Roberto De Zerbi adds logic, given their previous work together at Brighton. De Zerbi values familiarity in recruitment, and a winter move on reduced terms would appeal if Spurs believe Mitoma can make an immediate impact in the second half of the campaign. Tottenham have already invested heavily in reshaping the squad under the Italian.

Liverpool's interest is long-standing. Their recruitment operation admired Mitoma before his move from Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton, and that appreciation has not faded. As his contract winds down, the profile becomes even more appealing: a proven Premier League performer available below the normal market rate. However, any decision under manager Andoni Iraola will weigh age, wages, fitness and squad need. Monitoring is one thing; acting is another, and Liverpool need certainty rather than temptation.

Brighton face a dilemma. They can protect Mitoma's value by selling, or hold their nerve and risk losing him for nothing in 2027. With time running short to regain control, and clubs well placed to observe, assess and strike only when conditions suit, a January resolution appears unlikely unless the fitness picture clears quickly.

Talking points

  • Should Liverpool prioritise a 29-year-old returning from a hamstring injury over younger, more reliable wide options as they rebuild under Iraola?
  • Is a Tottenham reunion with De Zerbi enough to justify a winter move, or would Spurs be better off targeting a long-term successor?
  • Brighton's contract strategy is under scrutiny: should they cash in now at a reduced fee or hold firm and risk a free exit?
  • Bayern Munich's reported interest could drive up Mitoma's price if he proves his fitness before the end of the season.

What happens next

Mitoma's rehabilitation will dictate the next move. Brighton must decide whether to reopen contract talks or prepare for a sale, while Liverpool and Tottenham will continue to monitor his fitness and form. If he returns strongly and Brighton soften their stance, a January deal could accelerate. If his fitness remains unclear, clubs may wait until 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kaoru Mitoma leaving Brighton in January?

No decision has been made. Liverpool and Tottenham are monitoring his situation, but any move depends on his hamstring recovery and whether Brighton open the door to a sale.

What is Kaoru Mitoma's contract situation at Brighton?

He signed a four-year extension in October 2023 through to 30 June 2027, earning around £80,000 per week. No new agreement has been reached, and he is now in the last season of that deal.

Why are Tottenham interested in Kaoru Mitoma?

Tottenham's interest stems from Roberto De Zerbi's previous work with Mitoma at Brighton, and the possibility of a reunion. A winter move on reduced terms could appeal if Mitoma proves his fitness.

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