‘Brighton face Kaoru Mitoma dilemma amid latest Bayern Munich development’
Brighton risk losing winger Kaoru Mitoma this summer as clubs monitor the Japan international’s situation.
Mitoma has been at Albion for four years and became a key player on the south coast, but the 28-year-old only has two years left on his contract.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler is already having to deal with the possibility of four first team stars leaving the club.
The German led Albion to an eighth placed Premier League finish in his first season in charge.
Bayern cool interest but Saudi club may make move
Brighton have had to reject a previous offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr for Mitoma, but The Mirror report another approach may be made.
Al-Nassr still need a left-winger and they are keen to sort that situation out this summer, with Liverpool forward Luis Diaz also on their shortlist of targets.
More importantly though for Brighton, interest from Bayern Munich has cooled after it emerged the German club were leading the race for his signature ahead of other potential suitors like Arsenal.
Brighton are aware that to fend off future interest, Mitoma will have to be tied down to a new contract.
Brighton require Mitoma contract decision
Football Insider verdict
Offers from Saudi Arabia are unlikely to vanish, but tying Mitoma down to a new contract would be smart business.
Bayern’s interest may have cooled due to their approach for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli to fill the void left by Leroy Sane’s departure.
Mitoma is a technically gifted player who is often key to lots of the good attacking play Brighton produce.
The style of play at the Amex suits the winger well, so it is perhaps surprising his goals and assists tally aren’t higher in the Premier League.
| Appearances | 88 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 13 |
Mitoma could increase his numbers with the amount of chances Brighton often make in matches and perhaps that would earn the Japanese international a big move.
Brighton though don’t want to lose Mitoma if they do lose key players like Joao Pedro.
The club always seem to have players lined up for such eventualities so it will be interesting again to see which direction this transfer window takes them in.
Brighton have been linked with a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and his signing could soften the blow of potential departures.