Brighton
Beşiktaş have ‘intensified’ their contacts with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a deal for Kaoru Mitoma.
FotoSpor report that the 28-year-old is on Brighton’s list of potential sales this summer and Beşiktaş have stepped up negotiations for him.
According to the Turkish outlet, Mitoma has been on the Beşiktaş list for some time. They had previously considered a deal for the Japanese star and have now ‘intensified’ contacts about a move this summer.
Kaoru Mitoma’s current deal with Brighton expires in 2027. That means he enters this summer in the final year of his contract. That, it seems, has opened the door to a potential move.
€10-15m asking price for Mitoma
If Brighton can’t secure a sale this summer, the winger will have the right to leave next year on a free transfer. That’s something the Seagulls would, naturally, be keen to avoid.
Beşiktaş are using this as ‘leverage’. Their intention is to complete a deal worth €10-15m for Kaoru Mitoma this summer.
The 28-year-old is currently valued at €25m by Transfermarkt. So, the Turkish side clearly want a big reduction already.
Another factor is Mitoma himself. He reportedly wants to go to a team where he can get more playing time.
He’s made 23 appearances in all competitions for Brighton this season but has had injury problems which have limited his playing time. He hasn’t played 90 minutes since the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on March 1st.
That, it seems, has led him to look towards an exit. Brighton’s ongoing pursuit of Said El Mala, a potential direct rival on the left-wing, could also be in his thinking.
Beşiktaş see the benefits
Beşiktaş are already making moves and see benefits beyond just a talented player. Signing Kaoru Mitoma would also increase their ‘effectiveness’ in the Far East market, according to FotoSpor.
Whether Brighton sell, remains to be seen. They find themselves in a tricky position because of Mitoma’s contract, but the price Beşiktaş want to pay is clearly far below market value.
Mitoma is also, still only 28-years-old, and there may be other clubs ready to move if it’s clear he’s leaving Brighton this summer.