Kaoru Mitoma set to STAY at Brighton despite big money links

Kaoru Mitoma has told Brighton that he wants to stay at the club, and sign a new contract reflective of his importance to Fabian Hürzeler’s squad, according to Sky Sports News.

Yes, you read that right. For once we’re NOT talking about another top player leaving!

But… the Brighton model?

Amongst the glory of the quick flips for young players from a small fee for mega money, the news has finally switched around into a sight Brighton fans would much rather see.

Kaoru Mitoma is the player that we wanted to see this news for, his impact both on and off the pitch has been immeasurable in comparison to most that have graced the blue and white stripes.

The debate amongst fans has been relevant, and well-disputed. Whether you’d want to see the club make profits or improve on the pitch is an open conversation, but the success formula lies somewhere in between. Tony Bloom and Paul Barber are magnificent businessmen, but after seeing the sheer emotions from Crystal Palace fans with their FA Cup trophy lift in May, the real side of football prevailed right there.

No matter how well-run a club’s recruitment may be, the money doesn’t hit the bank accounts of the fans. Instead, the success and glory of the club is what really matters. Mitoma’s news feels like a new dawn.

Of course, João Pedro has departed the Seagulls for a possible £60 million fee to Chelsea, and the way that ended was a shame. Incredible memories, but perhaps a fee that didn’t quite feel as large as it could’ve been.

(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Mitoma has been the opposite. Not being tempted by Saudi Arabia not once, but twice. In January, Al Nassr submitted an extortionate figure to secure the services of the Japanese superstar. A departure would’ve left the club in a difficult situation, the season would’ve likely derailed at such a late stage, and the risk and reward factor was far too high to worry about.

However, it wasn’t just a rejection from the club, Mitoma didn’t fancy it. He knows that football is a short career, and sometimes love and legacy beat money and greed. Players often leave Albion and ‘flop’ or ‘leave for the money’. But for a move to a Champions League club, Mitoma’s future never seemed in crazy doubt.

Mitoma once again turned his head despite further interest this summer.

Kaoru’s connection to us

He understands the connection to the fans, but it isn’t just the ones with a Sussex-based postcode.

The impact of various Japanese international fans has been nothing short of incredible. People travel thousands of miles to come and watch this little old club play football at the weekend to catch a mere glimpse of their hero. A hero representing the stripes which were once embarrassing to even wear.

The days of all your mates supporting Manchester United and Chelsea changed recently, and this glory has an incredible responsibility on Mitoma’s shoulders.

When he gets on the ball, you can feel something change in the air. Excitement, you move forward on the edge of your seat. Nothing is happening, but something could. He moves so fast, it’s like the momentum could change, I will miss it… why? Because it’s Mitoma. It’s a rare magic that only a few players possess.

The ability to stick the ball to your feet, the ‘elastic foot’. Take on that full-back, it doesn’t matter who it is.

A long weighted ball from 70 yards away will be controlled even though it looks to be going out of play… why? Because it’s Mitoma. Chelsea found out the hard way, as Mitoma won Goal of the Season sublimely.

Football is about memories. It’s about success and witnessing something special. Yes, the club has to progress. Make that money, but take us to the promised land whilst keeping us entertained.

This is not just a player finally staying, this is a change in the tide on the South Coast.