Bayern pursues Japan's Mitoma after disrupted plans for Wirtz transfer

Bayern Munich is pursuing the signing of Japanese national striker Kaoru Mitoma (28, Brighton). It is reported that the club's leadership directly met with the agent to discuss specifics.

European transfer market expert Florian Plettenberg noted on the 25th (Korea time) that "Bayern's Max Eberl, sports director, and Director General Christoph Freund directly met with Mitoma's agent," adding that "Mitoma's side conveyed an open stance on the transfer."

Bayern has not yet made an official offer, but it is known that the club plans to begin formal negotiations once an internal decision on the signing is made. Mitoma's agent reportedly proposed a transfer fee of 50 million euros (approximately 77.7 billion won).

Bayern's primary target was Bayer Leverkusen striker Florian Wirtz. The club aimed to build a strong second line centered around Wirtz, along with Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise. Although the transfer fee set by Leverkusen amounted to 150 million euros (approximately 233.2 billion won), Bayern hinted at their intention to secure funding for the signing.

However, it is known that Wirtz chose to transfer to Liverpool, disrupting Bayern's plans. Ultimately, the focus shifted to Mitoma.

Mitoma is a player skilled in breakthroughs and crosses from the flanks. Bayern has sent scouts multiple times to assess his abilities.

However, for the signing of Mitoma to be realized, the restructuring of Bayern's existing resources must precede it. The club plans to pursue the signing of Mitoma after the status of Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman is confirmed.

Sane was about to re-sign but recently changed agents, causing negotiations to return to square one. He hopes to remain. While Coman's transfer potential has been raised, there are no concrete movements at this time. He has two years left on his contract.

Mitoma began his professional career in 2020 with Kawasaki Frontale. He joined Brighton in 2021, entering the European stage, but was immediately loaned to Belgium's Sint-Truiden due to a work permit issue. After returning in 2022, he gradually expanded his standing at Brighton.

Initially, he mainly appeared as a substitute but consistently delivered impressive performances, eventually becoming a starter. Last season, he scored 3 goals and assisted 7 times in 26 matches, and this season, he has recorded 11 goals and 3 assists in 40 official matches.

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