By OkayGoal 
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for Kaoru Mitoma this summer, and the Brighton winger’s own words from his time working under Roberto De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium make for very encouraging reading for Spurs fans.
TEAMtalk reports that Tottenham have maintained a “historic interest” in the Japan international, and with De Zerbi now installed as head coach at Hotspur Way, the appeal of a reunion for player and manager this summer is obvious. When Mitoma was asked about De Zerbi’s methods during their time together at Brighton in 2023, he was effusive in his praise.
“The coach demands a lot from me, so I’m trying my best to meet them. The way he sets up the team and his tactics are helping my performance, as it suits my style very well.”
“He is very specific about what he wants from me in training and in games. I think my standard on the ball and off the ball are improving step by step, so I feel that I’m developing under his coaching.”
Those comments were made during a genuine purple patch for Mitoma under De Zerbi at Brighton. In 62 appearances under the Italian, Mitoma scored 13 goals and contributed 16 assists, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous wide players in the Premier League. The combination clearly worked.
Why Kaoru Mitoma would be an ideal Tottenham signing under De Zerbi
Tottenham have been without a genuine wide threat ever since Son Heung-min departed last summer, and that gap in quality out wide has been one of the defining problems of their season. Mitoma’s direct running, ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and end product in the final third would address that weakness immediately. De Zerbi’s system specifically demands dynamic, high-energy wingers who press aggressively without the ball and create danger with it, and Mitoma is built precisely for that role.
The challenge, however, is significant. Tottenham currently sit 17th in the Premier League with 30 points from 31 games, just one point above the relegation zone. Mitoma has attracted interest from multiple clubs including Manchester United, and without the lure of European football, persuading him to choose Spurs over more glamorous alternatives will require serious ambition and a compelling project to be put to him.
Can Tottenham actually sign Kaoru Mitoma?
Mitoma’s Brighton contract runs until 2027, which means the Seagulls hold leverage but the clock is ticking. If Tottenham can survive relegation and present a credible vision for the future under De Zerbi, there is a genuine pathway here. The manager’s relationship with the player is a real advantage that few other clubs can offer. Whether Mitoma is convinced to trust that relationship over a more secure footballing proposition elsewhere is the central question the summer will answer.
