Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma to sign new contract amid Bayern & Saudi interest

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is keen on staying with the club and has informed them of his desire to extend his contract, which still has two years remaining amid interest from Bayern Munich and several Saudi Arabian clubs.

The Seagulls rejected bids from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr for the Japan international in January, while he remains on Bayern Munich‘s list of targets to replace Leroy Sane, as they continue to monitor the situation for Athletic Club star Nico Williams.

Brighton are keen to continue talks with the Japan forward to discuss improved terms and an extension to his contract this summer.

The Premier League club aims to acknowledge Mitoma’s contributions with a new contract that emphasizes his importance to manager Fabian Hürzeler’s team. The 28-year-old’s current deal at Brighton expires in 2027.

Brighton turned down bids from Saudi League club Al Nassr for Mitoma during the winter transfer window, while Bayern have also included him on their shortlist for the left-wing role this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Brighton boss Hurzeler said:

“We try to keep our best players.

“Mitoma played a great last season but it’s only because we as a club worked together. Then you can shine as individuals. It’s the most important that all the players try to understand that. Mitoma understood it last season.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him back [on Thursday for pre-season]. That’s the plan. We look forward to continue working with him, to try to improve him because I still think his limit is not reached yet.

“That’s our job, his job, the job of the whole club to get the best potential out of the players and that’s what we’re looking for in the pre-season. I’m sure he will be an important part of us.”

The update on Mitoma arrives on the same day Brighton forward João Pedro finalized his transfer to Chelsea for a fee that could reach £60 million.

Hurzeler noted that it is a transfer that is good for everyone involved and wishes the forward well at his new club.

In a release announcing the Brazilian’s departure, Hurzeler was quoted as saying: “This is a good move for all parties.

“It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.