Brighton & Hove Albion, fresh off their impressive campaign last season in which they secured a historic Europa League group stage spot, have secured an integral part in that run for years to come. According to multiple news outlets, including Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kaoru Mitoma has signed an extension deal that keeps him a Seagull until June 2027.
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Kaoru Mitoma Signs Four-Year Contract Extension with Brighton
🚨🔵 Official, confirmed. Kaoru Mitoma has signed new long term deal today at Brighton.
The agreement will be valid until June 2027 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/IL5YVBKQjK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2023
The Athletic Report on Details of New Contract
In addition to Romano, Andy Naylor of The Athletic reported on the new deal. Mitoma’s previous contract was set to expire in 2025 and would have left him open to leaving the club.
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This new deal will see Mitoma become one of the club’s top earners. Technical Director David Weir praised the 26-year-old following the new extension, “He has quickly become one of our most important players.” Known for finding skilled players in seemingly obscure places, the Premier League club have opted to hold onto this star instead of selling him as they have done with others.
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Mitoma’s Importance to Brighton
Arriving from the Japanese top flight in 2021, Mitoma was loaned to Union SG in Belgium to gain experience. The winger earned a starting role in Roberto De Zerbi’s team, with his play-making skills becoming essential to Brighton’s success both domestically and in Europe. De Zerbi has even called the 26-year-old their “top player.“
Mitoma has 10 Premier League goals in 41 matches for the club. His form has not dipped this campaign, helping Brighton to sixth in the table. Their Europa League crusade has not been as impressive, but with their star-winger in good form, the Seagulls will always have a chance to turn it around.
