Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion could do business before the transfer window is up
When speaking of the Premier League sides who have done the smartest business in the transfer market in recent years, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion both often come into the conversation.
Liverpool made near-impeccable transfer decisions under Jurgen Klopp and have continued this under Arne Slot, while Brighton have created somewhat of a reputation for picking up young, talented players and developing them for the first team before seeing their value multiply exponentially. The fact that Chelsea alone have spent £260m on four signings from Brighton says enough about the Seagulls’ recruitment policy.
Therefore if Liverpool and Brighton were to take to the negotiating table together to work on a major transfer deal, one can only assume that the deal will work equally well for both parties. Neither would have it any other way. That could still be a reality this summer transfer window, with one transfer story between these two to look out for.
Liverpool and Brighton could take part in massive swap deal
Brighton have been interested in Liverpool playmaker Harvey Elliott for much of this summer window. The 22-year-old has been considering departing his boyhood club for some time in search of becoming a main man elsewhere, a desire which must surely have grown after his personal contribution to England U21’s victorious European Championship campaign.
Brighton have enquired about Elliott, who could cost upwards of £40m and would fit very nicely into Fabian Hurzeler’s progressive style of play. As a young player with a high ceiling and scope for an increase in value, the former Fulham academy prospect’s profile also aligns with Albion’s recruitment model and so it is no wonder they are going in for him.
They will face much competition both in the Premier League and abroad, though, so they may need to bring out another bargaining chip in negotiations with Liverpool, in the shape of skilful Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma.
Harvey Elliott and Kaoru Mitoma swap deal could send shockwaves
This may not quite be a straight swap, but it would certainly give both clubs what they are looking for this summer. Liverpool could do with another forward option, particularly off the left, if one or both of Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez depart. Mitoma could be the perfect option to compete with Cody Gakpo for a spot on the left wing and the Japanese would likely relish the chance to win trophies with the Reds.
The 28-year-old is right in the middle of his prime years and could still get even better, having only gone professional at 23 after choosing to go to university in Japan. Recent reports state that Mitoma wants to sign a new deal at the Amex Stadium amidst interest from Bayern Munich, but the Reds will still feel that they can convince the 27-cap international to make a stunning move to Anfield.
Previous reports have suggested that Brighton may demand an eye-watering £80m for Mitoma, but Liverpool will be confident that they can negotiate down that price. With Elliott valued at over £40m, an offer of Elliott plus £20m - £25m could be enough for Brighton to part ways with their star man.
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