Mitoma Signals Brighton Exit as Liverpool and Tottenham Eye 2027 Free Transfer

Kaoru Mitoma has told Brighton & Hove Albion he intends to leave the club once his contract situation allows, setting up a potential scramble among Europe’s elite for his signature. The winger’s stance emerged over the summer, with sources close to the Japan international indicating he has no plans to sign a new deal at the Amex, though the Seagulls have no intention of cashing in on him during the January window.

Mitoma, 29, still has his contract running until June 2027 and remains one of Brighton’s highest earners, pocketing roughly £80,000 a week. Manager Fabian Hurzeler had previously expressed confidence about extending the forward’s stay on the south coast. That optimism has cooled since his summer rehabilitation from injury, during which several Champions League sides reportedly made contact regarding a free move once his deal expires.

The situation now appears to be moving toward a formal split. Reports from Teamtalk suggest Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs preparing to approach Mitoma directly once 2027 arrives, positioning themselves to secure him without paying a transfer fee.

Why Liverpool and Tottenham Are Playing the Long Game

Neither Liverpool nor Tottenham will submit a January bid for Mitoma. Brighton’s refusal to sell mid-season makes any approach now pointless, and both clubs stand to gain more by waiting. A free transfer in 2027 would let them add a proven Premier League performer without the usual fee attached to a player of his quality.

For Liverpool, Mitoma represents a squad option with pace and directness on the wing, traits that suit their system when rotation is needed across a long campaign. Tottenham’s interest points to a similar need for depth in wide areas, where competition for places has intensified in recent seasons.

Brighton’s Financial Calculation

Brighton’s refusal to sell in January reflects their broader transfer strategy. Letting a key contributor walk for nothing in 2027 carries risk, but disrupting the squad mid-season for a player who has already signaled his intent to leave carries its own cost. Hurzeler’s side will instead look to maximize his output through the rest of this campaign and next, treating the situation as a long-term planning issue rather than an immediate crisis.

Mitoma’s wages, among the highest at the club, add another layer to the calculation. Brighton will weigh the value of keeping a £80,000-a-week earner who has made clear he won’t extend against the disruption of searching for a direct replacement before his deal runs out.

What Comes Next

The next eighteen months will shape how this plays out. Mitoma’s form and fitness will determine how aggressively clubs pursue him once contact becomes possible, and Brighton will likely explore the market for his eventual successor well before 2027 arrives.

Follow TipsGG for continued coverage of this transfer saga as Liverpool, Tottenham, and any other suitors position themselves for Mitoma’s free departure.