Roberto De Zerbi tracks key European developments as Tottenham Hotspur eyes £2m-rated Andrea Maldera's rise in Ukraine's football scene. [Image via Tottenham Hotspur]
Roberto De Zerbi succeeded in his mission of keeping Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and relegating London rivals West Ham last season. The onus was on the club’s hierarchy to provide De Zerbi with adequate tools to compete in the Premier League, and they fulfilled their promises.
Spurs spent big money in the summer transfer window, recruiting 10 faces. The North London outfit completed their first-ever £100million signing when bringing in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, whilst splashing the cash for the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Savio and Tosin Adarabioyo.
In search of defensive reinforcements, De Zerbi chose to reunite with Jan Paul van Hecke. He wanted to bring in players that fit into his vision and style of play, and it has now emerged that the 47-year-old is taking a close look at a player from his former club, Brighton and Hove Albion, ahead of the winter window.
Savio (via The Times)
Tottenham seeking reunion with Brighton winger
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham could pursue Kaoru Mitoma, as De Zerbi considers reuniting with the Brighton star.
Kaoru Mitoma has entered a crucial stage in his Brighton career, with his contract set to expire in June 2027 and extension talks stalling. The Japan international is currently unlikely to sign an extension to his deal, and with the Seagulls now facing an emotional parting of ways, possibly as soon as the January window.
The 29-year-old remains contracted at the Amex Stadium until 30 June 2027 after agreeing a four-year extension in October 2023. Manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed in March that Brighton had held conversations with Mitoma about a new deal, but things haven’t moved forward since. The uncertainty about the South Asian star’s future has opened the door for several European clubs to ponder a move.
The report adds Tottenham and Liverpool are both closely monitoring the situation of the player. Despite not featuring at all this season due to a hamstring injury, Mitoma remains an important attacking option for Hurzeler.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Spanish defender Pedro Porro vies with Brighton’s Japanese midfielder Kaoru Mitoma. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mitoma could be tempted to join De Zerbi at Tottenham
De Zerbi knows Mitoma in and out from their time together at Brighton, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wingers. The Japanese star has registered 27 goals and 21 assists in 135 appearances for Brighton since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.
Mitoma, previously described as a superstar in 2023, could be the perfect winger addition for the Lilywhites. He would instantly elevate Tottenham’s attack, adding speed, incisiveness, flair and creativity from wide areas. The 29-year-old is an elite dribbler and would bring much-needed directness and goal threat to De Zerbi’s side.
Having coached him at Brighton, De Zerbi knows the South Asian ace’s strengths and weaknesses very well. If the Italian boss truly believes Mitoma fits his system, he must do everything within his powers to convince the hierarchy to sign him ahead of Liverpool in a cut-price deal in January.