Report: Roberto De Zerbi wants Spurs reunion with Premier League attacker

Report: Roberto De Zerbi wants Spurs reunion with Premier League attacker Tottenham tracking Kaoru Mitoma as De Zerbi reunion angle gathers pace Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs closely watching Kaoru Mitoma, with TeamTalk reporting that a reunion with Roberto De Zerbi is a live possibility as the Brighton winger edges towards a pivotal point in his contract situation. Mitoma is described as “a solid market opportunity” and that wording feels significant. When a player of his profile, experience and output begins to drift towards the final stretch of a deal, recruitment departments across Europe take notice. In this case, Tottenham and Liverpool are both said to be alert, with Brighton facing a familiar dilemma over whether to cash in or risk losing an important asset for nothing. The Japan international remains under contract until 30 June 2027 after signing a four-year extension in October 2023. That agreement placed him among Brighton’s better-paid players on around £80,000 a week. Yet despite earlier talks, there is little indication that a fresh breakthrough is close. According to the report, Mitoma’s “long-term future at the AMEX has grown increasingly uncertain”, and the sense now is that movement from outside clubs is shaping the landscape. Mitoma contract puts Tottenham and Liverpool on alert Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said in March that discussions had taken place and voiced hope that Mitoma would stay. Since then, though, negotiations have “stalled” and sources cited in the piece say the player is reluctant to commit, “partly because of interest from elsewhere, and with a painful exit now beckoning.” That is the line likely to sharpen attention in north London and on Merseyside. Liverpool’s admiration is framed as long standing. Their scouts rated Mitoma highly before his move from Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton, and that interest appears not to have gone away. Tottenham’s position is also notable, particularly because of the De Zerbi factor. The current Spurs head coach knows exactly what Mitoma can offer, having previously worked with him on the south coast, and familiarity often matters when clubs assess January opportunities. The report adds that with “only 91 days remaining once the January window opens”, Brighton could soon be weighing up a reduced-fee sale. That timeline is key. Clubs do not simply assess talent, they assess leverage, cost and risk. Mitoma’s case now touches all three. Photo IMAGO De Zerbi relationship could shape Spurs interest Tottenham’s interest has been mentioned before, but this latest update gives it more context. De Zerbi “previously managed Mitoma on the south coast”, and that existing relationship could become relevant if Spurs decide they want a proven Premier League attacker capable of making an immediate impact. The article notes that De Zerbi has “invested heavily at Spurs”, while the side are “yet to see an uptick in form”. In that environment, a wide player with Mitoma’s experience, end product and tactical intelligence could be viewed as a practical winter solution. TeamTalk also describe him as a “67-goal winger”, underlining the attacking return that continues to attract high-level interest. There is no shortage of competition, either. Bayern Munich are said to have tracked him extensively, Atlético Madrid retain awareness of the situation, and interest exists elsewhere in Europe. Arsenal have looked before, while Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked in the past, though without recent substance. Fitness concern may delay January move Any move, whether for Tottenham, Liverpool or another contender, comes with an important caveat. Mitoma’s availability has been clouded by injury after a hamstring problem in May ended his 2025-26 campaign and cost him a World Cup place. He remains on a cautious recovery programme under Hurzeler, and that reality could temper short-term demand. The report makes the point clearly, “Until he returns and shows his best form, any January interest is likely to be less than in previous seasons, heightening the prospects of a free transfer move away next summer instead.” That may ultimately define the market. Clubs are alert, the player’s future is open, and Brighton may yet be forced into a difficult decision. Our View From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this is the sort of report that immediately grabs attention. Mitoma feels like a player who would make sense on several levels. He knows the Premier League, he has worked with Roberto De Zerbi before, and when fit he brings incision, intelligence and real one-against-one quality in the final third. If Spurs are looking for an attacker who can slot in quickly, there are not many better options available at a potentially reduced fee. The exciting part is the stylistic fit. Mitoma can stretch a game, carry the ball over distance and create moments without needing everything built around him. Spurs have lacked that sort of sharpness at times. He would also add depth and competition in wide areas, which becomes crucial if the club are trying to push through a packed second half of the season. There would be understandable concern over the hamstring issue. Tottenham fans have seen enough injury disruption in recent years to know that availability matters as much as talent. If he is not ready to contribute straight away, the calculation changes. Still, if De Zerbi believes he can get the best out of him again, supporters would be entitled to trust that judgement. This has the look of an opportunity worth serious consideration, especially if rival interest means waiting until next summer becomes a dangerous game.