Kaoru Mitoma Brighton future in doubt as contract talks stall

Kaoru Mitoma’s long-term future at Brighton & Hove Albion is increasingly uncertain, with the Japan international currently unlikely to sign a new contract.

The winger’s existing deal expires in June 2027, potentially leaving Brighton with a major decision to make over one of their most valuable attacking players.

Manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed earlier this year that discussions over an extension had taken place, but meaningful progress has reportedly stalled.

According to TEAMtalk, Mitoma is reluctant to commit his future to Brighton because of the level of interest in him.

That could eventually leave the Seagulls facing an uncomfortable choice: sell while they can still command a reasonable transfer fee or risk seeing his value decrease as his contract runs down.

Mitoma has been one of Brighton’s most dangerous attacking players since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.

His pace, dribbling and ability to beat defenders have made him a major threat from the left, although injuries have disrupted his progress.

The 29-year-old is currently recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in May, which ruled him out of the end of last season and the World Cup. He is not expected to return until around mid-October.

Brighton have built an impressive reputation for developing players and selling them for significant fees.

However, Mitoma’s contract situation creates a different challenge.

The Seagulls sold Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham during the summer when the defender had entered the final year of his contract. Mitoma could eventually present Brighton with a similar decision if new terms cannot be agreed.

From Football Place’s perspective, January does not necessarily have to mean an immediate exit. Much could depend on how Mitoma performs after returning from injury and whether contract negotiations restart.

But Brighton cannot allow the situation to drift indefinitely. If Mitoma remains unwilling to extend, his contractual position will increasingly strengthen interested clubs and weaken Brighton’s negotiating power.

Mitoma is not the only Brighton winger attracting attention.

Liverpool continue to be linked with Yankuba Minteh, meaning Brighton could potentially have important decisions to make over two of their wide attackers heading towards January.

Losing both would significantly change Hürzeler’s attacking options.

For Mitoma, the immediate priority is returning from his hamstring injury. Once he is back on the pitch, attention will quickly return to his contract and whether his long-term future remains at the Amex.

Mitoma will focus on completing his recovery before returning to Fabian Hürzeler’s squad. Brighton will hope his return opens the door to renewed contract talks, but if no agreement emerges, his future could become an increasingly significant issue heading towards the January transfer window.