Kaoru Mitoma delights Roberto De Zerbi by signing a new four-year deal with Brighton to ‘become one of their highest earners’

• Mitoma joined Brighton for £2.6million in 2021 but his value has since increased
• He had been subject to interest from a number of top sides amid his good form
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Kaoru Mitoma has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Brighton, the Seagulls have confirmed.

The winger’s new deal will see him remain at the club until 2027 and become one of Brighton’s top earners in doing so, with manager Roberto de Zerbi branding him his side’s ‘top player’.

Mitoma has made 52 appearances for Brighton since joining the club from Kawasaki Frontale in his native Japan, securing his place in the side last season after a loan spell with Union St Gilloise.

He has scored 13 goals in that time and has been a regular starter under De Zerbi amidst periods of mass rotation after helping Brighton qualify for Europe for the first time ever this season.

The 26-year-old has made 11 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals and picking up a further four assists in that time.

Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the club

His new deal will run through until 2027 and see him become one of the highest-paid players at the club

Manager De Zerbi and Mitoma embraced in a video announcing the new deal shared by Brighton on social media

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De Zerbi said of Mitoma’s new contract: ‘It’s great news. Kaoru is our top player.’

Brighton shared a video on social media announcing the news, with De Zerbi asking Mitoma how long the deal was for before exclaiming: ‘I am happy.’

The Japan international has been linked with a move away from Brighton amid his good form, with the Seagulls often selling their best assets for larger sums of money than they arrive for.

He joined his current club for around £2.6million in 2021, with his value since sky-rocketing and now increasing more with his extended deal confirmed.

he originally signed a four-year deal in 2021, but that has now been extended with the player also receiving a significant pay increase with the new terms. 

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi described Mitoma as his side’s ‘top player’ following the news

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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