Bayern Munich is once again adjusting its summer transfer market strategy to find a replacement for Leroy Sané. As Niko Williams' transfer to Barcelona becomes imminent, Bayern Munich is reportedly keeping an eye on Japanese national winger Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton.
Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg noted on his social media channel on the 17th (Korean time) that "Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, is focused on finalizing Williams' acquisition, and the player himself wants to move to Barcelona," adding that "head coach Hansi Flick and Lamine Yamal both hope to collaborate with Williams, which was also an important factor in Yamal's re-contracting process."
Plettenberg continued, "While Barcelona's financial conditions are a variable for acquiring Williams, Bayern Munich is continuing to contact other options regardless of this." He explained, "Bayern Munich’s Director General, Marco Neppe, is aware of the situation and is activating the alternative acquisition list."
Other players Bayern Munich is keeping an eye on besides Williams include Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), and Mitoma. In particular, Barcola has a strong desire to remain with PSG, making Mitoma a prominent alternative.
Originally, Sané was expected to leave for Turkey's Galatasaray, and Bayern Munich planned to fill that position with Williams. However, Williams has shown a lukewarm attitude towards moving to Bayern Munich due to his friendship with Yamal and his aspiration for Barcelona. Consequently, Bayern Munich is shifting its focus to a more realistic option in Mitoma.
Mitoma is a key asset responsible for Brighton's wing attack, having recorded 10 goals in 36 matches in the Premier League last season, achieving double digits for the first time. He is highly regarded for his speed, sharp dribbling, and accurate crossing, excelling in side breakthroughs. He has a total of 108 matches, scoring 24 goals and providing 20 assists for Brighton, and is currently at 88 matches, with 20 goals and 17 assists, in the Premier League.
Born in 1997, Mitoma is from the youth team of Kawasaki Frontale in Japan. After passing through Tsukuba University and playing in the J-League, he transferred to Brighton in 2021. After a loan to Belgian Union SG, he began to gain recognition in the Premier League starting from the 2022-2023 season.
If Mitoma dons the Bayern Munich jersey, he will reunite with his national teammate, Hiroki Ito, to form a Japanese national team duo. Ito, who transferred from Stuttgart to Munich last summer, missed most of last season due to three metatarsal fractures but is preparing for a comeback this season after recovery.
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