Liverpool are monitoring the contract situation of Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as a potential free transfer target. The club's recruitment staff have retained a long-standing interest in the Japanese international, dating back to his emergence in his homeland.

Mitoma is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered last season, an issue that also ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup. His current deal at the Amex Stadium is set to expire at the end of this campaign, placing him in a position where he could be available without a fee next summer.

Liverpool's historical interest

Liverpool's scouts rated Mitoma highly before his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale. That interest has persisted, with the club reportedly tracking his progress as he approaches the final months of his contract. Any move for the 28-year-old would be opportunistic, aligning with the club's strategy of identifying value in the market.

Squad and competition considerations

Bringing in another left-sided forward would likely require a departure from the first-team squad, with Cody Gakpo a player who would need to move on first. Liverpool also face competition for Mitoma's signature, with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid named as potential suitors alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham. Any deal would be an addition to a forward line whose stats show they have scored 10 goals in their first five league matches.

The immediate focus for Mitoma is to regain full fitness and impress under Brighton's new manager, Fabian Hurzeler. Strong performances upon his return would be essential to attract concrete interest from top clubs like Liverpool.

For now, Liverpool's focus is on their current campaign. They sit sixth in the standings with nine points from five games, having won their last two matches. Their next challenge is a significant one, hosting league leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, a key fixture in their fixtures list. Mitoma's future, and any potential move, remains a story for the months ahead as his recovery and contract situation develop.

First reported at Yahoo Sports