‘Terrific player’ – Louis Saha urges Manchester United to sign Brighton prospect

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion warms up with teammates prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on December 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged the club to sign Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.

Mitoma broke onto the scene last season in a stellar debut campaign for the Seagulls. After arriving in England as a relatively unknown talent, the Japan international made a huge impression under Roberto De Zerbi by registering 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

Yet again it shows that Brighton are able to continue signing these unknown gems.

Saha, for one, believes it is an “easy decision” for United to sign the 26-year-old Japan international.

Speaking to Betfred, as quoted by the Daily Star, Saha said: “He’s a terrific player that shows a lot of composure and unpredictability, so he provides a lot of guarantees for his teammates and his manager.

“He knows where to position himself, he’s a very hard worker and you can see that he studies the game. You can understand why he can easily adapt when you consider those features and he would be a perfect fit.

“I’m sure every club will be looking at Mitoma if he’s available because he’s such a big prospect. Regarding whether I’d like to see him move to Old Trafford or not is a really easy question to answer because he’s a terrific player.”

While Mitoma has not reached the same heights in his second season at Brighton, the winger has had his injury problems. He missed games in December and the entirety of January with an ankle problem.

Still, you can’t put your nose up at his record this season even though he has missed lots of football. Mitoma has three goals and five assists in the league.

Mitoma was lucky to avoid a serious injury in Brighton’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United last Sunday, after being brutally hacked down by Mason Holgate. The defender was given a straight red card after a VAR check.

Mitoma out for Everton clash

Brighton may be without Mitoma this weekend when they take on Everton, who are looking to push themselves away from the relegation zone.

Mitoma has a back injury, however, it is not thought to be from Holgate’s challenge.

De Zerbi told reporters via Brighton’s official website: “We have a problem with Kaoru Mitoma, he has a problem with his back. I don’t know if he can play. We will analyse the situation on the next day.

“We are used to playing without important players. Julio will be on the bench though, it’s great news.”

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