Liverpool to go ALL in on special winger | OneFootball

Mitoma to Liverpool could be a genuine possibility

According to The Athletic, a summer move for the Japanese winger is not off the cards.

In the report, it says: "Mitoma had no interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League when Brighton rejected offers from Al Nassr of £54m and £61m in the January transfer window.

"He gave little away after the Tottenham game to a group of Japanese reports who follow him at Brighton, commenting only that hew 'can't say anything' and 'doesn't know anything' regarding his future. Asked more generally whether playing in the Champions League would be appealing, Mitoma said: 'That is one goal, but if I focus on what's in front of me and do it right, I believe I can play in it.'

"It promises to be an anxious summer transfer window for supporters accustomed to revelling in his wizardry."

We're definitely at a point where Mitoma might have to seriously look at what he wants and given his contract expires in 2027, it's also clear that Brighton will have consider giving him a new contract.

The 28-year-old left-winger has been in the Premier League since the 2022/23 season and across those three campaigns, he has delivered 20 goals and 13 assists in 88 appearances.

He is highly regarded as hugging the touchline and creating width in Fabian Hurzeler's side with his mains skillset being willingness to press high up the pitch. Brighton's possession-based approach is incredibly similar to that of Arne Slot's and the Reds' system would suit the player well.

Furthermore, the promise of Champions League football and a regularly Premier League title charge might be tempting opportunity that is simply too good to ignore. Especially when you consider he would be teaming up with his international countryman Wataru Endo next season.

Of course, we must recognise that Brighton will be unwilling to let him go, but as mentioned earlier, we are reaching a point where they have got to consider their options with him.

Had the Seagulls have clinched Conference League qualification, then this ultimately might have been a different story, but the lack of European football for an ambitious player might be pivotal.

Liverpool also need to have Diaz moving elsewhere before an approach for Mitoma is even considered, and that is currently unlikely to happen unless the Saudis' interest is ramped up.