The rise of Kaoru Mitoma has been so dramatic that even his biggest believers are caught by surprise by Brighton’s skilful Japanese. The 25-year-old dribbler has been involved in 14 goals for the Seagulls this season – since making his debut for the club in August. It seems like he’s been improving with every passing game, with the Japanese’s dribbling skills a particular highlight of his game.🚨 Brighton are set to reward Kaoru Mitoma for his outstanding form this season with a huge pay-rise and an offer of a long-term contract.(Source: @GraemeBailey) pic.twitter.com/AYuLP6nii9— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 14, 2023 As a result of his fine form, several clubs suddenly became Mitoma’s admirers – including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. But the club from the south coast of England is determined to keep one of their best players – and are ready to offer him the biggest contract in the club’s history to keep the Asian star happy.Dribbling is science – and Mitoma is the best graduateBrighton boss Roberto De Zerbi wants to end the season on a high note – and then focus on extending Mitoma’s contract beyond the current expiry date of June 2025.”Mitoma is a crucial part of the team for us because, one-against-one in the last 25 metres, he’s one of the most important players. I think I have to repeat the same idea, the same opinion I used with Caicedo. I think for him it is the first year in the Premier League, and it’s important for him, for us for sure, but also for him to play another season with us. We don’t have time to speak about the transfer market because we have another three months to play and for us to reach our target.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7108012##Mitoma’s value as a player, picked up from Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League for $3.6 million in August 2021, is inflated by his commercial value and the club’s global reach. Brighton even launched a Twitter account in Japanese to connect to the vast army of new fans.1️⃣9️⃣’ Student at the University of Tsukuba2️⃣3️⃣’ Playing for @OfficialBHAFCKaoru Mitoma has had a meteoric rise; from university student to one win from Wembley! 🤩📈#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/4tfxapTkiG— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 15, 2023 According to The Athletic, the adoration for Mitoma is expanding rapidly. North Stand Chat, an independent online forum for Brighton fans, noted a 571 per cent increase in traffic from Japan on their site compared to last year after Mitoma secured the victory against Bournemouth.It’s no wonder Brighton will do their best to keep the Japanese dribbler.
