Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, with manager Roberto De Zerbi keen to work with his former player again. According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are monitoring the 29-year-old’s situation closely ahead of the January transfer window.
Mitoma played some of the best football of his career under De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium, and the Italian knows exactly how to get the best out of him. That familiarity could give Tottenham an edge, as there would be little tactical guesswork involved in bringing him in.
The timing is also in Spurs’ favour. Mitoma is in the final year of his contract, and talks over a new deal have stalled. He signed a four-year extension in October 2023, reportedly worth around £80,000 a week, but is said to be hesitant to commit to another. Brighton must now decide whether to sell him for a reduced fee or risk losing him for nothing in the summer of 2027.
The signing would also address a pressing need for De Zerbi. With Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and summer arrival Mykhailo Mudryk all sidelined, Tottenham are short of options on the left side of the attack. Mitoma can play on either flank, which would add depth and flexibility to the squad.
Spurs will face competition, though. Liverpool are said to have a long-standing interest, Atletico Madrid are keen, and a few Turkish clubs are also watching, although Mitoma would reportedly need plenty of convincing to move to the Super Lig.
Fitness remains the biggest question mark. A hamstring injury kept Mitoma out at the end of last season and ruled him out of the World Cup. Interest in January may be lower than in previous windows while he works to rediscover his best form, which could make a free transfer next summer more likely.
