Liverpool keeping tabs on explosive Premier League star dubbed one of the ‘best players in the world’
Liverpool are among three other clubs keeping tabs on Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as the 26-year-old winger has continued to impress this year.
It’s no secret that Brighton have one of the best scouting networks in Europe and they were able to uncover a gem when signing the Japan international from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.
The winger enjoyed his most prolific season to date last year as he scored seven league goals and provided five assists for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
He’s looked just as ruthless this season too with one goal and three assists in his first four matches. It’s no surprise that so many clubs are interested and Brighton will be well aware of the battle they face to keep him.
Back in August, TEAMtalk revealed that Brighton were working on a new bumper contract to keep the winger at the club. Given his current deal expires in 2025, they will be keen to iron out this new contract as soon as possible.
Brighton will also be well aware that a handful of top clubs from around Europe are now monitoring the situation closely.
According to 90min, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona and Napoli are among the sides who are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.
Brighton have shown that they are willing to sell their best players, but only at the right price. Indeed, this summer they cashed in on the likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Robert Sanchez.
Mitoma would be a great addition at Liverpool
Given the way Jurgen Klopp likes to set up his teams, a player like Mitoma could thrive at Anfield. He is a superb dribbler and links up well with his teammates.
De Zerbi piled the praise on the dynamic star during an interview with Sky Sports: “I think he’s one of the best players in the world at 1vs1s.”
While Brighton seem confident in tying Mitoma down to a new deal, Liverpool will closely monitor the situation over the coming months.
The Reds were boosted by keeping Mohamed Salah at the club this summer, amid interest from Al-Ittihad. However, with Saudi clubs expected to come back in for Salah next year, it makes sense that Liverpool are exploring new forward options.
Mitoma certainly wouldn’t be a direct Salah replacement as he exclusively plays on the left-hand side, but he would be a useful option for Klopp to have around.
The 26-year-old will no doubt be focused on the task at hand at Brighton, but the January transfer window could get spicy if he has not penned a contract extension by then.
