Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma has reportedly made it clear he wants to stay at the club, despite strong interest from European giants like Bayern Munich and Saudi side Al-Nassr. The Japan international is now expected to enter contract negotiations with Brighton, who are ready to offer him a significant pay rise in recognition of his performances.
According to Sky Sports, Mitoma has told the club he is fully committed to staying and continuing his development at the Amex Stadium. Brighton, in turn, is eager to reward his loyalty and growing importance to the team with an improved long-term deal.
The 27-year-old winger has two years remaining on his current contract, but Brighton sees him as a key part of their future and wants to secure his services beyond 2027. Talks are set to begin soon, with the club reportedly offering a considerable salary increase to reflect his status as one of their top talents.
Mitoma has caught the eye of several major clubs over the past year. Al-Nassr submitted an offer during the January transfer window, which Brighton rejected outright. Bayern Munich also listed him as a potential summer signing to strengthen their options on the left wing. However, Mitoma’s decision to stay has brought a sense of relief and optimism to Brighton fans.
New Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler spoke highly of Mitoma’s commitment and quality during a recent interview:
“We’re doing everything we can to keep our best players, and Kaoru is one of them. His performance last season was outstanding, which speaks volumes about the work everyone at the club is putting in. I’m looking forward to seeing him back in training on Thursday as we begin our preseason.”
Hürzeler added:
“We believe there’s still so much untapped potential in him. Helping players grow is our responsibility, and that’s what we aim to do this preseason. I’m confident Kaoru will continue to be a vital part of this team.”
Last season, Mitoma made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists. His dynamic style of play, sharp dribbling, and ability to create chances have made him a standout performer in the Premier League and a fan favourite on the South Coast.
With transfer rumours swirling this summer, Brighton’s proactive approach to extending Mitoma’s contract sends a strong message about their ambition and commitment to keeping their best talents at the club. Assuming negotiations progress as expected, an official announcement is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
