Liverpool and Tottenham plot £19m swoop for Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion forward Kaoru Mitoma, according to TEAMtalk. The 29-year-old is valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt and his contract expires at the end of the season, with talks over a new deal at Brighton having stalled.

  • Player: Kaoru Mitoma, 29, Brighton & Hove Albion forward
  • Clubs interested: Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur (plus Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United)
  • Valuation: £19m by Transfermarkt
  • Contract: Expires at the end of the season; renewal talks with Brighton have not progressed
  • Potential move: Brighton could sell in January to avoid losing him for free
  • Competition: Fierce, with several European heavyweights linked

Deal details

Mitoma's current deal runs out at the end of the season, and talks over a fresh term with Brighton have not progressed at all. As a result, the Seagulls could sell him in a cut-price deal in January to avoid losing him for free next summer. TEAMtalk report that Liverpool hold a long-standing interest and have been monitoring his situation closely before making a potential swoop. Tottenham are also keeping a close eye on him, with Roberto De Zerbi knowing the player well from their time together at the AMEX Stadium.

However, any move will face fierce competition. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the Japan international. No fee has been agreed and no formal approach is reported, with the interest currently at the monitoring stage.

Injury and availability

Mitoma has struggled with fitness problems in recent months, which may affect his availability for any potential suitors. The source does not specify the exact nature or duration of these issues, only that they have been a recent concern.

Why Liverpool and Tottenham are weighing up a move

Liverpool reinforced their flanks this summer following Mohamed Salah's departure, purchasing Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz. As a result, they do not need a new left-winger unless someone leaves. That makes a move for Mitoma unlikely unless an exit creates space, but his cut-price valuation and Premier League experience make him an attractive option if the situation changes.

Tottenham, on the other hand, bolstered the left-wing by signing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan this summer, but he has struggled with fitness problems. Spurs are therefore considering purchasing a new left-winger, and Mitoma fits the profile: a Premier League-proven player currently at the prime stage of his career. De Zerbi's prior relationship with the player could give Tottenham an edge in any negotiations, though no formal move has been made.

Brighton's stance is pragmatic. With Mitoma's contract expiring, they risk losing him for nothing next summer. Selling in January for a reduced fee may be the sensible outcome, but the level of competition could drive the price up or spark a bidding war. The source values him at around £19m, which would represent a bargain for a player of his quality if he can stay fit.

Talking points

  • Should Liverpool prioritise a left-winger when they already have Barcola and Muñoz, or is Mitoma too good a bargain to ignore at £19m?
  • Tottenham's loan signing of Mudryk has not solved their left-wing issue due to fitness problems. Is Mitoma the right fix, or should they look elsewhere?
  • Brighton risk losing Mitoma for free next summer. Selling him cheaply in January makes financial sense, but does it weaken their squad too much?
  • With Bayern, Atletico, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd also linked, can either Liverpool or Tottenham win the race for a player valued at just £19m?

What happens next

Brighton will decide whether to open contract talks again or sanction a January sale. Liverpool and Tottenham must weigh up a formal move, with the January transfer window the likely deadline. If no renewal is agreed, Mitoma's suitors will have a clear run at a cut-price deal, but his fitness record remains a key consideration.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kaoru Mitoma leaving Brighton in January?

Brighton could sell him in January to avoid losing him for free next summer, as his contract expires at the end of the season and renewal talks have not progressed.

How much is Kaoru Mitoma valued at?

He is valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt.

Which clubs are interested in Kaoru Mitoma?

Liverpool and Tottenham are monitoring him, while Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked.

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