Liverpool Eye High-Stakes Swoop for Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma Amidst £80m Transfer Clash
Liverpool are reportedly plotting a bold move for Brighton’s electrifying winger Kaoru Mitoma this summer, setting the stage for one of the transfer window’s most intriguing sagas. As interest from both Europe and Saudi Arabia intensifies, the transfer battle highlights the changing dynamics in football recruitment and the growing value of elite wingers.
If reports from both TeamTalk and The Athletic are to be believed, Liverpool’s long-standing admiration for Mitoma is no secret. The 27-year-old Japanese international has built a reputation for direct running, incisive dribbling, and tactical discipline—tools that have seen him score eight goals and provide three assists this season alone. Such influence was underscored by his consistency: until a recent heel injury, Mitoma had featured in all 31 league matches for Brighton this season.
Brighton’s position is complicated. Despite their shrewd transfer policy, the Seagulls risk missing out on European football after slipping to ninth in the Premier League. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler values Mitoma’s relentless work-rate and offensive thrust, but the club’s business model may ultimately push them towards a sale—especially as sources indicate there are no active talks to extend Mitoma’s contract, which runs until 2027.
Financial realities loom large. Brighton are reportedly demanding £80m—a steep fee by any measure. Previously, Saudi club Al-Nassr bid £54m and £61m in January, failing to tempt either Brighton or the player. Yet, while Al-Nassr remain keen and could offer higher wages, Liverpool’s pull—Champions League ambitions and the Anfield stage—could well turn Mitoma’s head if the Reds match the fee.
Within Liverpool itself, the prospect of Mitoma’s arrival is loaded with implications. The left wing is currently occupied by Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo, but doubts persist over Díaz’s future given strong links to Barcelona and other European heavyweights. With Mo Salah recently extending his deal and locked in as a right-sided starter, Mitoma would provide much-needed depth and tactical flexibility on the opposite flank—especially for new manager Arne Slot’s pressing system.
There are, however, valid concerns within the Liverpool camp. As Anfield Index notes, the £80m price tag is daunting, particularly as Liverpool seek reinforcements across the pitch and pursue other major targets such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Adding another wide player without significant outgoings could risk unbalancing the squad and stretching the budget. Furthermore, while Mitoma’s highlights are undeniable, doubts linger about whether he represents a transformative signing over a full season.
The backdrop of Brighton’s transfer strategy cannot be ignored. The club has previously cashed out big in summer windows—Yves Bissouma, Moisés Caicedo, and Robert Sánchez all departed for sizeable profits. A similar fate for Mitoma could pave the way for Brighton’s next generation, including South Korean winger Yun Do-young, though he faces a loan spell before staking a first-team claim. As Brighton’s European qualification hopes falter, the likelihood of Mitoma’s exit only grows.
With six league games remaining and Mitoma’s injury deemed short-term, both player and club are at a crossroads. For Liverpool, the summer ahead promises upheaval—whether Mitoma is part of their new era remains in the balance.
Does Kaoru Mitoma represent the missing piece in Liverpool’s attacking puzzle, or does the price outweigh the promise? Join the debate—share your views and let us know who you think will make the biggest splash in this summer’s transfer window.
