Big club scouts are smitten. The interest in the Japanese national team midfielder is intense.
Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on Thursday (June 14), “FC Barcelona is interested in Kaoru Mitoma (26). He is a player that club officials are paying attention to. Mitoma’s contract ends in 2025. A move next summer would be very suitable,” the report said.
“He is one of the favorites of Barcelona’s technical advisors and scouts. Mitoma is considered to have great balance and dribbling. His ability to break down defenses, especially on the left flank, caught the eye of Barcelona scouts.”
He is a talent that is also being watched within the English Premier League (PL). Spain’s Pichajes reports, “Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in Brighton and Hove Albion winger Mitoma. They could try to sign him in the winter transfer window. Both clubs have identified Mitoma as a key recruitment target.”
Mitoma is considered one of Japan’s top talents. Since joining the English Premier League (PL) in 2021, he has improved his game. His dribbling ability has caught the attention of big league defenses. Last season, he was also an excellent offensive point producer, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists in 41 games.
This season, he’s still a key attacker for Brighton. He’s even sharper. Mitoma has three goals and three assists in seven Premier League games. He recorded an assist in the opening game against Luton Town, followed by a goal and an assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the Wolverhampton game, he scored after dribbling in alone from a long distance. On the 25th, he scored a multi-goal performance against AFC Bournemouth, leading Brighton to a 3-1 win.
Mitoma’s stellar performances have led to transfer speculation. According to Pichajes, Man City and Manchester United, both of whom are in the market for a wing forward, could try to sign Mitoma in the winter transfer window. The publication believes that City are ahead of United in the race. “Mitoma will continue to play in the Premier League. We’ll see which teams will continue to fight for his signature.”
Mitomada was also the subject of interest from Man City in the summer transfer window. City had long set him as a target, and it looked like they were making a move for him. However, City’s final choice was Jeremy Dockoo, 21.
Still, City are keeping a close eye on Mitoma. Mitoma 안전놀이터 has been a key part of Brighton’s offense. Meanwhile, rivals Manchester United are also expected to join the race to sign him.
Barcelona have also joined the race. They see him as a different type of player from the likes of Hapinha (26), Ferran Torres (23), and Lamine Yamal (16). The future of Ansu Pati (20), who recently left on loan to Brighton, is unclear at Barcelona. Instead, the club is reportedly considering a full-time move for Mitoma.