Report: Bayern shortlist Brighton star amid winger uncertainty
Mitoma in Bayern's Sights: Brighton Star Gains Bundesliga Attention
Bundesliga Eyes on Seagulls' Star
Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma has become the latest name linked with a move to FC Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany. With his contract running until 2027, the 28-year-old remains a key figure on the south coast, but the Bundesliga giants are reportedly monitoring him as a left-wing alternative should Kingsley Coman or Leroy Sané leave this summer.
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Florian Plettenberg reports, 'An exciting name that Bayern have had their eye on for some time. It's fitting that Bayern have recently invested less in Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens. Like Mitoma, they would be players for the left wing.' This indicates a clear tactical vision at Bayern: pace, flair, and inverted wingers with a keen eye for goal.
Technical Brilliance Born in Academia
Mitoma's footballing education is the stuff of legend. Not only has he lit up the Premier League since arriving at Brighton via a successful loan at Union Saint-Gilloise, but his academic grounding is unique. His university thesis? The science of dribbling. And it shows.
The man from Kawasaki brings a cerebral edge to his rapid, slaloming runs. Whether cutting in or driving wide, Mitoma's ability to destabilise defensive lines with technique and speed makes him an ideal fit for top-level tactical systems like Bayern's.
Rejected Riches, Chasing Glory
Earlier this year, Mitoma was the subject of a €90 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Brighton's refusal to sell—even in the face of such lucrative temptation—speaks volumes. Not only about their valuation of the player but also about their long-term ambitions.
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Like Coman and Sané, Mitoma prefers operating from wide areas, drifting inside on his stronger right foot. He offers variety and verticality—qualities Bayern's sporting leadership, particularly Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, are understood to be seeking.
Strategic Thinking at Bayern
It's a classic Bayern move: identify undervalued or under-the-radar quality and integrate it into a squad already brimming with pedigree. Mitoma's experience in the Premier League and his adaptability could make him an immediate asset at the Allianz Arena.
Photo: IMAGO
And with Brighton's reputation as one of Europe's smartest recruiting clubs, their resistance to cash offers suggests that any potential departure would only be entertained on their terms.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Brighton fan's perspective, this report is both flattering and concerning. It validates just how far Kaoru Mitoma has come, attracting attention from a European giant like Bayern. But it also raises familiar worries. Will Brighton be able to keep hold of their top talents in the face of continental interest?
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There's a sense of pride that a player who was relatively unknown just a few years ago is now linked with one of football's most decorated clubs. However, fans will also recall how quickly players like Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo moved on. Brighton's model works, but it demands constant renewal.
Should Mitoma leave, there will be hope that the club's next gem is already being polished. Still, there's no doubt losing such a unique, electrifying talent would sting. For now, Seagulls supporters will hope Bayern's gaze drifts elsewhere—at least until the end of Mitoma's prime.
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