15 October 2023 , 07:00
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Barcelona have been extensively monitoring Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma with a view to a sensational transfer next summer.
Mitoma has emerged as a key player for Roberto De Zerbi’s side and is currently only contracted until June 2025. The winger has contributed 13 goals and 12 assists in 52 appearances for Brighton since joining the club from Kawasaki Frontale for a fee of just £2.7million in 2021.
Mitoma already has three goals and three assists in seven games this season and has caught the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Red Devils scouted him last season but know that Brighton will drive a hard bargain if they go to the negotiating table.
Barca have a wealth of attacking options but young superstar Lamine Yamal alongside Ferran Torres and Raphinha compete for the position on the right-side of Xavi’s side’s attack. Joao Felix is on loan at the Catalan giants from Atletico Madrid and has been occupying the left-sided role.
The Blaugrana have been monitoring Japanese star Mitoma, with Mundo Deportivo detailing their admiration stems from his combination of skill, technical ability, explosiveness and finishing ability. The two clubs currently share strong relations after the loan deal of Ansu Fati this summer, with Barca prepared to offer a huge financial package for the Japanese star.
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However, any deal is likely to be fraught with complications. De Zerbi spoke about the importance of Mitoma to his team in March. “Mitoma is a crucial part of the team for us because one-against-one in the last 25 metres, he’s one of the most important players,” he said.
“For him it’s the first year in the Premier League, it’s important for us, but also for him it’s important for him to play another year with us. We don’t have time to speak about the transfer market because we have another three months to play and for us to reach our targets.”
Have Your Say! Which club would be the best fit for Mitoma? Tell us what you think here.
Mitoma has emerged as one of the Premier League's most in-demand stars (Clive Mason/Getty Images)Brighton regularly sell their top talents for premium fees; Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea for a whopping £115m in the summer to add another name to their long list of impressive sales. Liverpool paid £45m for Alexis Mac Allister over the summer, while Arsenal forked out £50m to sign Ben White in July 2021, while the Blues coughed up £60m for Marc Cucurella in August 2022.
The Seagulls have made a habit of selling to Premier League clubs, with other significant fees coming from Robert Sanchez (Chelsea, £25m), Yves Bissouma ( Tottenham, £25m), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal, £27m).
Brighton owner Tony Bloom used to be a professional poker player and has been open about the club’s approach to player trading. “The more big clubs there are interested in our players, the more we’re doing right, so I’m delighted with that,” Bloom told The Athletic in May 2021, while discussing White, Sanchez and Tariq Lamptey.
“We know some of our best players are not going to be with us forever. If the right offer comes along – and it has to be the right offer – and they want to go, then they will leave.”