Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are monitoring Kaoru Mitoma’s situation at Brighton as the Japan winger approaches the final year of his contract.
Mitoma, 29, is under contract until June 2027, but negotiations over an extension have stalled, creating the possibility of Brighton selling him in January rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.
According to TEAMtalk, several Champions League clubs explored the possibility of signing Mitoma during the summer, while Tottenham and Liverpool have continued to monitor developments. Spurs could offer the added attraction of a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi, who worked with Mitoma at Brighton.
Liverpool’s interest dates back several years, with the club’s recruitment department having rated Mitoma before his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale. The Reds are now keeping an eye on his contract situation as they assess their options for the winger.
Mitoma’s future is also complicated by his fitness. A hamstring injury suffered in May ended his 2025-26 campaign and ruled him out of the World Cup. He is still working his way back under a cautious recovery programme at Brighton.
Kaoru Mitoma attracts Liverpool and Spurs interest
That could make a January move more difficult, particularly if Mitoma has not returned to his best form by the time the window opens. Brighton may therefore face a decision over whether to accept a reduced fee in January or keep the winger for the remainder of the season and risk losing him as a free agent.
Tottenham’s interest is partly driven by their connection with De Zerbi, while Liverpool have a longer-standing appreciation of the Japan international. Neither club, however, is reported to have made a formal approach at this stage.
Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey have also been linked with Mitoma, although the German champions are among the European sides understood to have followed his situation particularly closely.
With his contract entering its final months, Mitoma’s return to full fitness could play a significant role in determining whether Brighton receive a January offer or face a summer battle for his signature.
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