Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected a £54.4m bid from Saudi Pro-League club Al-Nassr for Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma. The offer, believed to be worth €65m, was dismissed out of hand by Brighton, who have no need to sell the 27-year-old. However, it’s anticipated that Al-Nassr will return with a higher bid.

Mitoma has been a key player for Brighton this season, scoring five goals in the Premier League and featuring in all 23 matches. He signed a contract extension in October 2023 that runs until June 2027, and the club is keen to keep him. Mitoma is also a popular player in Japan, and his commercial value is significant for Brighton.

Al-Nassr, who already have Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte on their roster, are close to signing Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran for a reported £65m. The Saudi Pro-League transfer deadline is on Friday evening, and Al-Nassr are likely to make a renewed effort to sign Mitoma.

While Brighton are confident in their position, the sums involved are significant, and Mitoma may be tempted by the offer. However, the club believes he has no desire to leave, and they are determined to keep him.

The transfer saga is likely to continue in the coming days, with Al-Nassr expected to make a higher offer. Brighton’s resolve will be tested, but they are determined to keep Mitoma.

Mitoma’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: he is a valuable player for Brighton, and the club will do everything in its power to keep him. The next few days will be crucial in determining his future.

The Saudi transfer window closes on Friday, and Brighton fans will be anxiously waiting to see if Mitoma will remain at the club. The 9th-placed Seagulls will face Nottingham Forest at the City ground on Saturday, February 1, in their next Premier League fixture.