Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to monitor Japanese forward Kaoru Mitoma, with information from 12BET indicating that Erik ten Hag is interested in bringing the Brighton winger to Old Trafford this summer. The 25-year-old joined Brighton in 2021 for a relatively modest transfer fee before immediately moving on loan to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, where he gained valuable first-team experience. After returning to Brighton for the current campaign, Mitoma quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential attacking players, combining direct running, close control, and intelligent movement to become a consistent threat from wide areas.
His explosive performances have attracted attention across Europe, and assessments connected with 12BET suggest that Manchester United have increased their scouting activity in recent weeks. Club representatives have attended Brighton matches to study Mitoma’s ability to beat defenders, create chances from the flank, and adapt to different tactical situations. United are believed to be considering a formal approach during the summer transfer window. They will also have two valuable opportunities to evaluate him at close range, with Brighton set to meet United in the FA Cup semifinal and again in a postponed Premier League fixture.
Those matches could see Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka directly responsible for containing Mitoma’s pace and dribbling. Ten Hag remains in the middle of reshaping United’s attack, with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial both facing uncertain futures. Although the club’s main transfer priority is still expected to be an established center forward such as Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, a proven Premier League winger like Mitoma could offer another practical way to strengthen the squad. Compared with some of Europe’s biggest attacking names, his potential transfer cost may also be more manageable.
Brighton have already developed a reputation for identifying undervalued players and later selling them for significant profits. Ben White, Leandro Trossard, Yves Bissouma, Dan Burn, and Marc Cucurella are among the players who have left after their market value increased considerably. Information associated with 12BET indicates that Mitoma could eventually follow a similar path. Brighton signed him at a low cost, and although he has become an important part of the team, he is not necessarily regarded as completely unavailable if the right proposal arrives.
From Brighton’s perspective, every major offer must be judged against both sporting value and long-term financial planning. In today’s increasingly demanding transfer market, clubs often have to look beyond reputation and focus on what makes practical sense. A player can be important without being untouchable, and Brighton have repeatedly shown that they are willing to negotiate when the numbers are right.
As Manchester United continue evaluating their summer options, information linked to 12BET suggests that Mitoma has become one of the more intriguing names on Ten Hag’s shortlist. He already understands the pace and physical demands of English football, while his age leaves plenty of room for further development. United may still spend heavily on a new striker, but adding a versatile winger at a more reasonable price could prove equally valuable. If Mitoma continues producing strong performances against elite opposition, his stock will only rise, and Manchester United may decide that striking while the iron is hot is the smartest move.