Brighton face winter exit risk as Mitoma’s deal stalls – Exclusive

Exclusive: Brighton & Hove Albion’s future plans for Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma have hit a snag, with the 29‑year‑old still under contract until 30 June 2027 but apparently unwilling to sign a new deal, leaving the Seagulls facing a possible January departure.

The winger secured a four‑year extension in October 2023, binding him to the club until 30 June 2027. That agreement placed him among Brighton’s higher earners, with wages of around £80,000 a week.

Manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed in March that the club had held conversations with Mitoma about a fresh contract. “Still in talks but also focusing on the things that are very important for the club, and I think that’s also the perspective from the player,” he said. “He wants to give his best for Brighton because he’s fully committed; you can see it in every training session, you can see it in every performance that he gives his best, so therefore that’s the main focus.”

Stalled negotiations and interest

Since those March discussions, meaningful progress has stalled, with sources saying Mitoma is reluctant to commit because of growing interest from other clubs. The club now worries that he could leave cheaply in the January window – when he would have just six months left on his deal – or depart on a free transfer next summer, a scenario that concerns Hurzeler and Co.

Injury woes and fitness timeline

Mitoma’s recent hamstring problem, sustained last May, ruled him out for the remainder of the 25/26 season and the World Cup. He is not expected back until mid‑October, meaning the Seagulls must wait for his return to fitness before fresh negotiations can gain momentum.

Brighton have built a reputation for timing sales of talent, as shown by the recent transfer of Jan‑Paul Van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur with a year left on his contract. The club hopes to command a strong sum for the 31‑cap Japan winger, rather than see him leave for a reduced fee or for nothing.

Signs increasingly point towards Mitoma departing the Amex Stadium sooner rather than later. He is not the only wide player under threat; Liverpool are tracking fellow Seagulls winger Yankuba Minteh, raising the prospect of a January raid on Brighton’s flanks.

The next steps hinge on Mitoma’s recovery and whether new contract talks ON can be revived. Until then, Brighton must prepare for the financial and squad impact of a potential winter exit.