Brighton boosted as Roberto De Zerbi's 'top player' signs new long-term contract
- Kaoru Mitoma inks new four-year deal with Europa League hopefuls Brighton
- Winger is understood to be Brighton's top earner alongside captain Lewis Dunk
- Liverpool & Man City remain interested in the Japan international
By Tom Gott
Brighton boosted as Roberto De Zerbi's 'top player' signs new long-term deal
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that winger Kaoru Mitoma has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract.
The 26-year-old excelled in his debut season in the Premier League, racking up seven goals and six assists in the competition and attracting interest from a number of Europe's elite sides.
Indeed, 90min understands that Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City are both tracking Mitoma, while Barcelona and Napoli are suitors from mainland Europe, but the Japan international has committed his immediate future to Brighton with a new contract.
Mitoma's deal, which sources believe also includes the option for a further 12 months, sees him move level with centre-back Lewis Dunk as Brighton's top earner.
"It’s great news," manager Roberto De Zerbi said of the announcement. "Kaoru is our top player."
Technical director David Weir added: "Ensuring that a player of Kaoru’s quality will remain with us for the long term is fantastic news.
"Kaoru adapted to the Premier League last season and has quickly become one of our most important players.
"His success is also a reflection of the work of the departments that have played a role in his recruitment, helped him gain important experience on loan and ultimately become a big part of Roberto’s first team group.
"I have no doubt that our supporters will be delighted with the news."
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