Brighton CEO heaps praise on Kaoru Mitoma

Brighton & Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber has waxed lyrical about sought-after winger Kaoru Mitoma amid the Japanese forward’s outstanding season.

The 25-year-old has been nothing short of impressive during his first season in the Premier League, racking up six goals and four assists in 20 appearances.

He has been one of the architects of Brighton’s unlikely European pursuit this term, growing into one of the best-performing wingers in the best league in the world.

Arsenal and Manchester United have developed an interest in Mitoma, with the latter dispatching scouts to watch the Japan international first-hand, as per the Sun (via Sky Sports).

However, Brighton CEO Barber has played down talks of the former Kawasaki Frontale man leaving the Amex Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

“Obviously, he’s [Mitoma] another player that will be in the spotlight in the next transfer window,” he told The Beautiful Game podcast.

“We’re ready for that and we understand that – we just hope he can have a great second half of the season.”

Mitoma has been one of the most delightful players to watch in the Premier League this season, with the Brighton executive not staying immune to the winger’s charming performances.

“He is so exciting to watch – a throwback to old-school wingers.”

Barber has also pointed out that Brighton won’t have to sell their prized assets at the end of the season.

“We’re very fortunate from a financial point of view that we’re not a club that has to sell players to survive,” he added.

Despite their home clash against Man United last weekend being postponed due to the Red Devils’ FA Cup commitments, Brighton headed into the international break only five points off fifth-placed Newcastle United.

Unlike some previous years, the Seagulls will have a host of first-team stars representing their countries during March’s international break, including Mitoma, who has received a call-up from Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu.

Mitoma’s outrageous Premier League form hasn’t slipped the eye of the developers of the famous game Football Manager.