Kaoru Mitoma signs new four-year contract as Brighton ward off Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester Unite

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Kaoru Mitoma has committed his future to Brighton by signing a new four-year contract with the Seagulls.

As talkSPORT exclusively revealed in August, the Japanese star has been in discussions over a new deal for several months amid interest from some of the Premier League's giants.

Mitomabeen linked to Champions League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Chelsea.

But Roberto De Zerbi is delighted Brighton have secured the services of 'our top player', which should at least secure a bumper fee if the big guns come circling again next summer.

The manager said: “It’s great news. Kaoru is our top player.”

Technical director David Weir added, “Ensuring that a player of Kaoru’s quality will remain with us for the long term is fantastic news. Kaoru adapted to the Premier League last season and has quickly become one of our most important players.

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“His success also reflects the work of the departments that played a role in his recruitment, helping him gain important experience on loan and ultimately becoming a big part of Roberto’s first-team group.

“I have no doubt that our supporters will be delighted with the news.”

Signed from Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.5million in 2021, the 26-year-old penned a four-year deal that was due to expire in 2025.

That could have seen him leave for a bargain next summer, but he has now extended his stay until June 2027.

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Kaoru Mitoma has signed a new long-term contract that runs until June 2027! ✍️

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 20, 2023

It means Brighton may look to recoup another big fee should the Premier League's financial powerhouses come knocking again.

And it would be little surprise if they did, with Mitoma picking up where he left off last season.

A breakout star in 2022/23, the Japan regular managed seven goals and five assists in the league.

This term he has three goals and three assists in eight games, and continually catches the eye with his dribbling skills.

Brighton have already raised huge funds from the sales of Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella to Chelsea, and Mitoma could well be on their watchlist.

After starring at the 2022 winter World Cup for Japan, Mitoma's form has consistently impressed, seeing links with Arsenal, which eventually didn't come to fruition.

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