Liverpool consider bold transfer as Brighton set high asking price | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Mitoma Move as Brighton Prepare for Summer Shake-Up

Brighton Star Attracting Strong Interest

Liverpool are monitoring Kaoru Mitoma ahead of a potential summer swoop, as TeamTalk report growing interest in the Brighton winger. The Japan international, who has registered eight goals and three assists this season, is expected to be at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war in the coming months.

Photo: IMAGO

Mitoma, 27, remains under contract at the Amex until 2027, placing Brighton in a strong negotiating position. But despite this, there is a growing feeling the south coast club may be willing to cash in—especially if they fail to secure European football. Currently sitting ninth in the Premier League, Brighton risk falling out of contention for continental competition, and that could force a rethink on their most valuable assets.

Liverpool’s Summer Ambition

While the figure may prove a stumbling block, Liverpool have shown long-standing admiration for Mitoma’s directness, intelligence in wide areas, and technical quality—attributes that align well with Arne Slot’s high-tempo blueprint.

TEAMtalk also note that Liverpool have held long-term interest in the winger, and while Al-Nassr from Saudi Arabia remain interested after submitting £54m and £61m bids in January, the pull of Anfield—and potentially Champions League football—could yet prove decisive.

Squad Dynamics at Anfield

Mitoma operates primarily from the left flank, where he would compete with Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo. Díaz’s future remains uncertain amid growing links with Barcelona and other top European sides, raising the possibility that Liverpool are positioning themselves for a wider reshuffle in attack.

Photo: IMAGO

Mo Salah’s new contract locks down the right-hand side, but the opposite wing remains more fluid. Mitoma’s arrival would offer depth, pace, and direct threat—key in breaking down low blocks, a regular challenge for Liverpool in domestic fixtures.

Wages Could Complicate Pursuit

One major obstacle is likely to be financial. While Liverpool may match Brighton’s valuation if required, Al-Nassr and other Saudi Pro League clubs can outmuscle European sides on salary packages.

With Mitoma entering the final two years of his contract, Brighton’s business model suggests they may sell rather than renew. Liverpool, aware of this, will be watching the situation closely.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s plenty to admire about Kaoru Mitoma, but this report should be taken with a degree of caution if you’re a sceptical Liverpool fan.

Firstly, the £80m price tag feels steep—especially for a player who, while clearly talented, has not been consistently elite across a full Premier League season. Mitoma’s bursts of brilliance have been exciting, but are they worth that kind of investment in a window where Liverpool need reinforcements across defence, midfield and potentially at striker?

Secondly, there’s the question of fit. Luis Díaz, despite the noise around his future, remains under contract, and Cody Gakpo continues to show promise. Adding another wide player without significant outgoings could unbalance the squad.

Financially, this also feels like a tough ask. If Liverpool really are chasing Alexander Isak, as reported, then pursuing both him and Mitoma seems unlikely unless substantial sales are made.

There’s no denying Mitoma could add something different to the frontline—but unless Brighton lower their demands, or Díaz departs, it’s hard to see this deal being a priority. For now, it may be more smoke than fire.