Kaoru Mitoma is moving into a delicate phase of his Brighton career, and the sense around the market is that his situation could become one of the more attractive opportunities for leading clubs over the coming windows. According to TeamTalk, Tottenham and Liverpool are among those keeping a close eye on developments as the winger approaches the final stretch of his current deal.

Mitoma’s contract position is what makes this especially relevant. The Japan international is entering the last season of his agreement at Brighton, and while there had been hope earlier in the year that fresh terms could be agreed, there has been no meaningful breakthrough. For Brighton, that naturally sharpens the decision-making. They can look to protect value in the market, or hold their nerve and risk seeing an important player edge closer to leaving for nothing.

The 29-year-old signed a four-year extension in October 2023 through to 30 June 2027, on around £80,000 a week, placing him among the stronger earners at the club. Yet the picture has changed. Interest from elsewhere appears to be a significant factor, and the longer discussions drift, the more realistic an exit begins to feel.

One strand to watch is Tottenham. The possibility of a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi gives the story a degree of logic, particularly given their previous work together at Brighton. Familiarity matters in recruitment, especially when a coach wants players capable of adapting quickly to specific tactical demands.

Spurs have already committed heavily to reshaping the squad under De Zerbi, and while the broader form has yet to fully reflect that investment, Mitoma could represent a practical addition if the price is favourable. A winter move on reduced terms would appeal if Tottenham believe he can make an immediate impact in the second half of the campaign.

There is also a broader context to Tottenham’s attacking planning, with the club linked to further forward options from Asia. That does not diminish the Mitoma angle, but it does suggest they are surveying the market with purpose rather than focusing on a single target.

Liverpool’s interest is not new. Their recruitment operation admired Mitoma before his move from Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton, and that long-term appreciation has not disappeared. As his contract winds down, the profile becomes even more appealing, a proven Premier League winger, high-level one-versus-one threat, and a player who may become available below normal market rate.

That said, monitoring a situation and acting on it are very different things. Liverpool will weigh age, wages, fitness and squad need, particularly under Andoni Iraola as he settles into the role. Mitoma’s quality is established, but any club considering a move will want reassurance on availability before accelerating.