0
0
Manchester City and Manchester United are both said to be considering bids for Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Karou Mitoma during the January transfer window.
The Japan international joined Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale in August 2021, however he spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Union SG before joining the Amex.
Mitoma had a strong season for the Seagulls in 2022-23, scoring 10 goals and contributing eight assists in 41 games across all competitions.
The 26-year-old has also been a key player for Brighton this season, appearing nine times and contributing three goals and three assists.
Mitoma is in the final two years of his contract with the Amex, and it appears that Roberto De Zerbi’s team will struggle to persuade him to sign an extension due to increased interest in his services.
According to Fichajes, both Manchester City and Manchester United have high hopes for the forward’s signature in 2024.
According to the article, the Manchester duo is contemplating offers when the January transfer market opens, but convincing Brighton to sell in the middle of the season may be difficult.
Mitoma made his Europa League debut for the Seagulls against AEK Athens last month, and he has 10 Premier League goals and nine assists in 40 outings.
Manchester City signed Jeremy Doku in the summer to bolster their offensive options, but Riyad Mahrez left, and it is reported that head coach Pep Guardiola wants to bring in another wide player next year, with Mitoma being his top target.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are rumored to be interested in signing a new winger during the winter transfer window.
Antony has returned to the Red Devils following a leave of absence, while Jadon Sancho is still not participating in the first squad due to a squabble with head coach Erik ten Hag.
Sancho is largely likely to depart the 20-time English champions on loan in January, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly interested in re-signing him.
At the start of 2024, Manchester United is also said to be interested in Juventus’ Federico Chiesa and Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry.
However, it has been stated that deals for either in the middle of the 2023-24 season are highly doubtful, forcing Ten Hag’s team to shift their focus to other targets.
