In a surprise turn of events, Manchester City is rumored to be preparing a substantial £50 million move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s attacking sensation, Kaoru Mitoma.
The 26-year-old Japanese international, who joined the Seagulls from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021, has quickly become a vital figure for the club.
Mitoma has showcased his prowess on the pitch, amassing 41 appearances for Brighton, during which he notched up an impressive tally of 10 goals and eight assists.
Last season was particularly noteworthy for the young attacker, as he played a pivotal role in Brighton’s commendable sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 33 league appearances, Mitoma’s contribution was indispensable to the team’s success.
Contrary to other transfer speculations, Mitoma’s loyalty to Brighton seems steadfast. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, he is reportedly not seeking a departure from the club this summer, in stark contrast to the situation of Moises Caicedo.
Brighton’s squad dynamics have already undergone changes, with Alexis Mac Allister moving to Liverpool and Caicedo being strongly linked with a lucrative transfer to Chelsea.
This has put Brighton in a challenging position, as they now face the prospect of keeping hold of Mitoma amidst Manchester City’s pursuit.
According to The Sun, Manchester City initially had their sights set on Josko Gvardiol for their defensive lineup, but with Gvardiol’s move from RB Leipzig now confirmed, the club’s attention is turning to finding a replacement for Riyad Mahrez. This has prompted their interest in Mitoma, who is believed to be valued around £50 million.
Notably, Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, has showered praise on Mitoma’s abilities. During a discussion about Asian Football, Guardiola emphasized Mitoma’s remarkable impact on the Premier League, hailing his performance as extraordinary. He also commended Japan’s performance in the World Cup, highlighting the strength of their group.
As the transfer window continues, Manchester City has already made notable signings, including Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and Josko Gvardiol from Leipzig.
On the other hand, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan have left the club. Amidst speculations about Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker potentially leaving, Guardiola expressed his desire to retain both players at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City’s upcoming schedule includes the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on Sunday, followed by their Premier League opener against Burnley on August 11.