The high-flying Japanese Seagull to stay at Brighton - at least until someone comes offering a fortune

Brighton has announced that Kaoru Mitoma has signed a new long-term contract with the club, extending his stay until 2027. The winger, who joined Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale, will become one of the club's top earners as part of the new deal.

Mitoma has made 52 appearances for Brighton and secured a place in the starting lineup last season after a loan spell with Union St Gilloise. He has scored 13 goals during his time at the club and has been a regular starter under manager Roberto de Zerbi. Mitoma has been a key contributor to Brighton's qualification for European competition this season, making 11 appearances, scoring three goals, and providing four assists. During the current campaign, the winger has three goals and three assists in eight top-flight appearances.

Mitoma holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored in a season by a Japanese player, finishing the 2022/23 campaign with seven goals, one more than the previous record held by Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa.

Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the Europa League. The blue-and-whites are in sixth place ahead of Saturday's match at champions Manchester City, who were one of the clubs reportedly interested in signing him. The Seagulls' boss, Roberto De Zerbi, is delighted with the news.

"It's great news. Kaoru is our top player."

Mitoma's new contract and his breathtaking progress are a testament to the job everyone is doing at Brighton. The club's recruiting, player development and long-term strategy made them one of the biggest success stories in European football in the past several years. Even though one of the key members of the background staff, Dan Ashworth, moved to Newcastle United, there is still a lot of good happening on the south coast.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Saturday

14.30: (1.37) Liverpool (5.60) Everton (8.50)

17.00: (2.50) Bournemouth (3.45) Wolverhampton (2.95)

17.00: (1.90) Brentford (3.50) Burnley (4.20)

17.00: (1.45) Man.City (4.60) Brighton (6.75)

17.00: (1.50) Newcastle (4.30) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (1.70) Nott.Forest (3.60) Luton (5.40)

19.30: (3.10) Chelsea (3.50) Arsenal (2.40)

22.00: (7.50) Sheffield Utd (4.60) Man.Utd. (1.42)

Sunday

18.30: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.70) West Ham (4.10)

Monday

22.00: (1.55) Tottenham (4.20) Fulham (5.90)

***odds are subject to change***