Kaoru Mitoma’s World Cup absence has pushed Brighton’s contract picture back into sharp focus.
ESPN reported that the Japan international was a doubt for the tournament after missing Brighton’s final two Premier League matches with a hamstring issue, before his summer ultimately moved away from the global stage.
That changes the tone of Brighton’s next decision. Mitoma is not merely recovering from a badly timed injury; he is moving toward the final year of a contract that runs until June 2027, a detail that makes this summer a major squad-planning checkpoint.
Mitoma Decision Now Carries Extra Brighton Weight
Sky Sports reported last year that Mitoma wanted to stay and sign fresh terms, with Bayern Munich and Saudi interest forming part of the wider backdrop.
For Fabian Hurzeler, the football logic remains obvious. Mitoma gives Brighton a rare one-v-one outlet from the left, stretches deep blocks and still carries the commercial pull of one of Asia’s most recognisable Premier League players.
His injury does not reduce that value; it compresses the timetable. If no extension is secured, overseas clubs can start positioning for a free-transfer agreement in January 2027.
That is why this is more than a rehabilitation story for ReadBrighton readers. Brighton need Mitoma fit, but they also need clarity before the market reads hesitation as opportunity.
