Brighton and Hove Albion are edging closer to a deal that would see them sign Kaoru Mitoma from his boyhood club Kawasaki Frontale, according to Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Brighton Close to Securing Deal For Kaoru Mitoma
Mtioma a Quality Addition
Kaoru Mitoma would certainly be a quality addition for Graham Potter’s Brighton side.
The 24-year-old scored 13 goals and assisted 12 last season, helping his side to the earliest J League title win in history. They also scored the highest number of points ever achieved since the league’s creation.
This clinical form will certainly be of use for the Seagulls, who have struggled to finish their chances recently. It is well known that Brighton excell in the number of goals they are expected to score based on their chances, but their conversion rate proved dreadful during the 2020/21 season. Potter will be keen to set this right heading into a fresh campaign, knowing that if he can sort this issue out he could truly be onto something.
Fans Will Have to Be Patient
Despite Kauro Mitoma’s evident ability, Brighton fans will have to be patient if they want to see him play at the Amex Stadium. The Japanese winger will first be sent on loan to Belgian side Union Saint-Galloise as he does not yet qualify for a work permit in the United Kingdom.
Union Saint-Galloise were promoted to the Belgian Pro League in May of this year, so Mitoma will still be playing at a top level. They were chosen in particular as they are owned by Brighton Chairman Tony Bloom.
Not the Seagulls’ First Signing of the Summer
Brighton appear to be doing efficient business this summer. Not only are they closing in on Mitoma, but they have also signed Enock Mwepu from RB Salzburg. The Austrian side are notorious for being a talent factory, with famous exports including Erling Haaland, Naby Keita, and Sadio Mane.
The South-Coast side are also set to sign goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Ajax as a replacement for Mat Ryan who looks set to depart.
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