Kaoru Mitoma Transfer Latest: Tottenham Reunion Talk Grows as Liverpool Monitor Brighton Contract Stand-off

Kaoru Mitoma is moving into a delicate phase of his Brighton career, and the sense around the market is that his situation could become one of the more attractive opportunities for leading clubs over the coming windows. According to TeamTalk, Tottenham and Liverpool are among those keeping a close eye on developments as the winger approaches the final stretch of his current deal.

Mitoma’s contract position is what makes this especially relevant. The Japan international is entering the last season of his agreement at Brighton, and while there had been hope earlier in the year that fresh terms could be agreed, there has been no meaningful breakthrough. For Brighton, that naturally sharpens the decision-making. They can look to protect value in the market, or hold their nerve and risk seeing an important player edge closer to leaving for nothing.

The 29-year-old signed a four-year extension in October 2023 through to 30 June 2027, on around £80,000 a week, placing him among the stronger earners at the club. Yet the picture has changed. Interest from elsewhere appears to be a significant factor, and the longer discussions drift, the more realistic an exit begins to feel.

Tottenham interest and Roberto De Zerbi factor

One strand to watch is Tottenham. The possibility of a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi gives the story a degree of logic, particularly given their previous work together at Brighton. Familiarity matters in recruitment, especially when a coach wants players capable of adapting quickly to specific tactical demands.

Spurs have already committed heavily to reshaping the squad under De Zerbi, and while the broader form has yet to fully reflect that investment, Mitoma could represent a practical addition if the price is favourable. A winter move on reduced terms would appeal if Tottenham believe he can make an immediate impact in the second half of the campaign.

There is also a broader context to Tottenham’s attacking planning, with the club linked to further forward options from Asia. That does not diminish the Mitoma angle, but it does suggest they are surveying the market with purpose rather than focusing on a single target.

Liverpool stance on Mitoma remains one to follow

Liverpool’s interest is not new. Their recruitment operation admired Mitoma before his move from Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton, and that long-term appreciation has not disappeared. As his contract winds down, the profile becomes even more appealing, a proven Premier League winger, high-level one-versus-one threat, and a player who may become available below normal market rate.

That said, monitoring a situation and acting on it are very different things. Liverpool will weigh age, wages, fitness and squad need, particularly under Andoni Iraola as he settles into the role. Mitoma’s quality is established, but any club considering a move will want reassurance on availability before accelerating.

Brighton contract dilemma shaped by fitness concern

Brighton’s challenge is made more complicated by Mitoma’s recovery. A hamstring injury suffered in May ended his 2025-26 season and also ruled him out of the World Cup, leaving him on a cautious rehabilitation programme. Until he is back playing regularly and showing his usual sharpness, the level of January urgency may be reduced.

That opens the door to multiple outcomes. Brighton could still find a buyer prepared to move early, especially if the fee reflects the contract risk. Equally, clubs may decide the smarter play is patience, with several Champions League-level sides already reported to have explored the possibility of waiting for a free transfer in 2027.

Beyond England, Bayern Munich remain a club repeatedly mentioned around Mitoma, and there has also been interest elsewhere in Europe. For now, though, the central point is straightforward. Brighton are running short of time to regain control of the situation, and clubs such as Tottenham and Liverpool are well placed to observe, assess and strike only if the conditions become favourable.

Our View

From a Liverpool perspective, this feels like one of those reports that makes sense on paper but still leaves plenty of room for doubt. Mitoma is a very good player, proven in the Premier League and capable of producing moments that shift matches. If the fee dropped low enough, it would be easy to understand why Liverpool would at least discuss it internally.

At the same time, there are clear reservations. He is 29, coming back from a hamstring problem, and Liverpool have to be very careful about where they place resources during a period of transition. Iraola will want intensity, availability and tactical reliability from his wide players, and any recruitment decision has to align with that long term rather than simply reacting to a market opportunity.

An unsure Liverpool fan would probably land somewhere in the middle. There is obvious talent there, and there is reassurance in the fact the club have liked him for years. Yet this cannot be purely about grabbing a bargain because a contract is running down. Liverpool need certainty more than temptation.

If Mitoma returns strongly and Brighton become open to sensible terms, the interest would be understandable. If the cost rises or the fitness picture remains unclear, stepping back may be the wiser move. It is an intriguing one, but perhaps not yet a convincing one.

Source: TeamTalk