Mitoma, the Japan international, joined Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale in August 2021 but spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Union SG before officially becoming part of the Brighton squad at the Amex.
During the 2022-23 season, Mitoma showcased impressive form for the Seagulls, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. This season, the 26-year-old has continued to be a crucial player for Brighton, featuring in nine matches, scoring three goals, and contributing three assists.
Mitoma is currently in the final two years of his contract with Brighton, and it seems that the club may struggle to persuade him to extend his contract due to the increasing interest in his services. According to reports from Fichajes, both Manchester City and Manchester United hold a strong admiration for the talented forward and are determined to secure his signature in 2024.
The report suggests that both Manchester clubs are planning to make offers when the January transfer window opens, although convincing Brighton to sell in the midst of the season may prove challenging.
Mitoma recently made his Europa League debut for Brighton against AEK Athens and has a record of 10 goals and nine assists in 40 Premier League appearances.
Manchester City added Jeremy Doku to their squad during the summer transfer window to bolster their attacking options. However, with the departure of Riyad Mahrez, it is believed that head coach Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in another wide player next year, with Mitoma being his primary target. Manchester United, on the other hand, also appear eager to sign a new winger during the winter window.
While Antony has returned to the Red Devils after a leave of absence, Jadon Sancho remains out of the first-team environment due to his disagreement with head coach Erik ten Hag. Sancho is widely expected to go out on loan in January, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly interested in his return.
Manchester United has also been linked with an interest in Juventus' Federico Chiesa and Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry at the beginning of 2024. However, it has been reported that securing deals for either player in the middle of the 2023-24 campaign is highly unlikely, which may lead Ten Hag's side to explore alternative transfer targets.
