Kaoru Mitoma is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing market situations of the coming windows, with TeamTalk reporting that Liverpool are keeping watch while Tottenham could offer a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi.

The Brighton winger finds himself in a delicate position. Mitoma’s current deal is running down, and while the club had hoped to secure clarity, the report states that his future at the AMEX has become increasingly uncertain. That matters for every side looking for value in a difficult market, and it matters for Liverpool because the player has been on their radar for some time.

According to the report, Mitoma is “emerging as what sources describe as a solid market opportunity” and that alone will attract serious attention across Europe. Players of proven Premier League quality rarely become available without a premium attached. If there is even a chance of securing one below market value, elite clubs tend to position themselves early.

Liverpool’s recruitment team have admired Mitoma for years, well before his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale. That detail stands out. It suggests this is not reactive scouting based on a short burst of top-flight form, but a longer-held appreciation of his profile and qualities.

The original report states plainly, “Liverpool have retained a long-standing interest in Mitoma.” It also adds that “more sources have linked Anfield with monitoring his situation as the contract winds down.” For Liverpool, that usually means diligence rather than drama. They are assessing the contract, the recovery from injury, and whether the deal represents smart business.

There is obvious logic to the attraction. Mitoma has top-level experience, one-against-one quality, and proven output. The article refers to him as a “67-goal winger”, a figure that helps explain why several Champions League clubs are circling. A player with that record, available at a potentially reduced fee or as a free transfer candidate, will always draw interest.

Tottenham’s involvement feels significant because of the personal connection. The report notes that “the connection to Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Mitoma on the south coast, adding an extra layer and relationship.” Familiarity matters in these situations, especially when a player is weighing up role, trust and tactical fit after an injury-disrupted period.

There is also the suggestion that Spurs could move sooner if the numbers become attractive enough. TeamTalk writes that “the addition of Mitoma for a cut-price fee in the winter window could prove extremely handy over the last half of the season.” That is the sort of wording clubs across the league will notice.