Why Brighton Rejected Al-Nassr’s £75 Million Offer for Kaoru Mitoma

Brighton & Hove Albion have firmly turned down a staggering £75 million bid from Saudi club Al-Nassr for Kaoru Mitoma, making it clear that the Japanese winger is not for sale. According to reports, the Saudi Pro League side, which boasts Cristiano Ronaldo among its ranks, initially offered £54 million before returning with an improved bid—only to be rejected again.

Mitoma has been a key figure for Brighton over the past three seasons, and with his contract running until 2027, the club is under no pressure to cash in on their prized asset. The Seagulls remain focused on securing European football under head coach Fabian Hurzeler, reinforcing their stance on keeping hold of their top players unless an extraordinary offer is made.

The Brighton hierarchy swiftly dismissed Al-Nassr’s approach despite the club being one of the four teams controlled by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Their reluctance to sell is also mirrored by Mitoma himself, who is reportedly not interested in leaving European football at this stage of his career.

Since joining Brighton from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 for just under £3 million, Mitoma has gone on to make 92 appearances for the club. He is the only Brighton player to have featured in all 23 Premier League games so far this season, contributing five goals and three assists as the team pushes for another strong league finish.

Mitoma further solidified his commitment to Brighton by signing a contract extension in October 2023, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until June 2027. With his importance to the squad and Brighton’s long-term ambitions, any future suitors will likely face a similar response if they attempt to lure him away.