adminPlayer future at Brighton & Hove Albion is becoming increasingly uncertain, with the Japan international approaching the final stages of his current contract and several major clubs reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.
TEAMtalk understands that a potential reunion with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur could be one of the options available to the 29-year-old winger as his contract situation develops.
Mitoma signed a four-year contract extension with Brighton in October 2023, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2027. The agreement reportedly placed him among Brighton’s better-paid players, with the winger earning around £80,000 per week.
However, negotiations over another extension have failed to make significant progress.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler revealed in March that discussions had taken place and said he hoped Mitoma would eventually agree to remain on the south coast.
Despite those comments, the situation has changed considerably. Talks have reportedly stalled, while sources close to the player suggest Mitoma has reservations about committing to a new contract, partly because of growing interest from other clubs.
A number of Champions League clubs are understood to have explored his situation during his rehabilitation period, with some reportedly considering the possibility of signing him on a free transfer when his Brighton contract expires in 2027.
That leaves Brighton facing an important decision. With the January transfer window approaching, the club could choose to cash in on the winger for a reduced fee or risk losing one of their key attacking players without receiving a transfer fee.
Tottenham and Liverpool are among the clubs believed to be monitoring developments, although interest is reportedly much wider.
Liverpool Maintain Interest in Mitoma
Liverpool have long admired Mitoma and are understood to have followed his progress for several years.
The club’s recruitment department reportedly held the winger in high regard even before his move from Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton, and more recent reports have again linked Liverpool with an interest as his contract situation becomes clearer.
Tottenham have also been associated with Mitoma, with the possibility of a move gaining additional significance because of his previous relationship with De Zerbi.
The Italian coach worked with Mitoma during his time at Brighton and knows the winger’s qualities well. De Zerbi has already overseen significant investment since taking charge at Tottenham, although Spurs have yet to achieve the improvement in results expected from that spending.
A January move for Mitoma at a reduced price could therefore provide Tottenham with another attacking option during the second half of the campaign.
Spurs have also been linked with another prominent Asian forward, with former Tottenham star Son Heung-min reportedly recommending his South Korean international teammate as a potential attacking target.
Arsenal have previously shown an interest in Mitoma, although they are yet to make a formal approach. Chelsea and Manchester United have also appeared in previous reports concerning the winger, though there has been little concrete movement from either club recently.
Interest From Europe
Mitoma’s potential availability has also attracted attention outside England.
Bayern Munich are regularly mentioned among his admirers, with reports claiming that the German giants have monitored him extensively and previously held discussions with his representatives.
Atlético Madrid have also been credited with an interest. Although the Spanish side eventually pursued another target, they could reportedly reconsider their position if Mitoma becomes available as a free agent.
There has also been interest from clubs in Turkey, although sources indicate that convincing the Japanese winger to move to the Turkish Super Lig could prove difficult.
Injury Could Affect January Transfer
Mitoma’s injury situation remains another important factor in determining his future.
The winger suffered a hamstring problem in May that brought his 2025/26 campaign to an early end and also prevented him from featuring at the World Cup.
He has continued his rehabilitation under a cautious recovery programme, with Hürzeler carefully managing his return.
Until Mitoma is fully fit and able to demonstrate his best form again, the level of interest during the January transfer window could be lower than it has been in previous years.
That could ultimately make a summer departure more likely, particularly if the winger decides against signing a new contract with Brighton.
For now, Brighton face a difficult situation. They must determine whether to accept a potentially reduced offer in January or keep Mitoma until the end of his contract and risk losing him for nothing the following summer.
With Tottenham, Liverpool and several European clubs reportedly monitoring developments, Mitoma’s next move could become one of the major transfer stories surrounding Brighton over the coming months.
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