Liverpool’s switch window is shaping as much as be something however easy. Whereas new sporting director Richard Hughes is losing little time laying foundations for Arne Slot’s second season, the Luis Díaz scenario is proving a decisive consider dictating summer season priorities.
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In accordance with , the membership is exploring the concept of transferring for Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma ought to Díaz depart. However because it stands, no important developments on Díaz’s contract have emerged, and Liverpool stay agency that solely a considerable bid would result in a sale. The curiosity from the Saudi Professional League lingers, and if that intensifies, it may set off a sequence response that ends with Mitoma arriving at Anfield.
“It guarantees to be an anxious summer season switch window for supporters accustomed to revelling in his wizardry,” the report famous. That line may apply to each Mitoma and Díaz.
Photograph: IMAGO
Fashion Match and Tactical Compatibility
Mitoma would deliver with him a ability set tailored for Arne Slot’s system. The Japanese winger is well-versed in excessive urgent and structured, possession-based soccer underneath Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler, which mirrors many ideas Slot launched at Feyenoord and has already embedded at Liverpool.
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His Premier League expertise is invaluable. In 88 league appearances since arriving in 2022, Mitoma has delivered 20 targets and 13 assists. Not elite numbers, however actually sufficient to recommend he may flourish in a higher-functioning attacking unit.
“Mitoma had little interest in a transfer to the Saudi Professional League when Brighton rejected provides from Al Nassr of £54m and £61m within the January switch window,” The Athletic reported, making it clear that the 28-year-old’s ambitions lie firmly inside elite European competitors.
He himself added, “That’s one objective, but when I deal with what’s in entrance of me and do it proper, I consider I can play in it,” when requested concerning the Champions League. That ambition would possibly simply align completely with Liverpool’s supply.
What Should Occur First
Nonetheless, Mitoma gained’t be strolling by way of the door till Díaz’s scenario is resolved. If no membership meets Liverpool’s excessive valuation of the Colombian, the Reds are unlikely to pursue a like-for-like winger. There are additionally inner options. Cody Gakpo is one, having contributed 18 targets and 6 assists throughout 2701 minutes final season. Arne Slot could belief his countryman to shoulder extra accountability on the left.
Photograph: IMAGO
But, ought to Díaz transfer on, Liverpool may pounce. Brighton’s failure to qualify for Europe could push Mitoma to hunt a brand new problem. And whereas his contract runs till 2027, this might be the summer season when his future is actually determined.
Worldwide Affect and Squad Integration
The presence of Wataru Endo in Liverpool’s midfield may be influential. The 2 Japanese internationals know one another effectively, and that familiarity may assist Mitoma settle shortly in a demanding surroundings.
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For Liverpool, the transfer would sign a transparent intent to bolster a title-winning squad with gamers getting into their prime, already examined within the Premier League and able to adapting immediately.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
It’s no shock to see Liverpool closely linked with Kaoru Mitoma. Arne Slot has already confirmed he’s not afraid to construct his system round dynamic, clever gamers who know find out how to operate inside structured attacking patterns, and Mitoma matches that blueprint completely.
The important thing challenge stays the Díaz scenario. Most followers would agree the Colombian has been inconsistent by way of output, and if Liverpool obtain a severe supply from the Saudi Professional League, the timing is likely to be proper to money in and reinvest. Mitoma would supply extra directness and maybe better positional self-discipline, and there’s a way he hasn’t hit his full stride at Brighton but.
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Some will argue Gakpo deserves his shot as a starter on the left, and that’s a good level given his spectacular stats from final season. However including depth and selection is important, particularly with a Champions League marketing campaign looming. Think about a entrance line the place Gakpo, Mitoma and Jota can all rotate, conserving depth excessive all through a protracted season.
Financially, Liverpool will have to be sensible. Brighton don’t promote low cost, and Mitoma’s worth might be protected by his contract size. But when Díaz goes and Mitoma turns into obtainable, Hughes and Slot may do far worse than transferring decisively.
