Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian football club, has faced a significant setback in its attempts to acquire Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton & Hove Albion. Initial reports suggested that the transfer could have been valued as high as £90 million, reflecting the club's ambition to strengthen its squad in light of Cristiano Ronaldo's impending contract expiration. Al Nassr has been actively pursuing new talent, with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran reportedly nearing a transfer deal worth an initial £77 million (€64.5 million). The club's aggressive recruitment strategy is evident as they seek to enhance their roster during this transfer window.
However, Mitoma will not be joining Duran in the Middle East. According to The Athletic, Al Nassr's opening offer of £65 million (€54.4 million) was promptly rejected by Brighton, who remain resolute in their desire to retain the talented winger. Football journalist James Benge has noted that Al Nassr was preparing a second bid that could rise to £90 million, contingent on various performance-related bonuses, although the base figure of £65 million was reiterated.
Despite the potential financial windfall from selling the 27-year-old forward, Brighton has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping its key players. BBC Sport reported that the club has made it clear to Al Nassr that there is no price at which they would consider allowing Mitoma to depart. Consequently, Al Nassr has reluctantly opted to withdraw from negotiations, prompting the need to explore alternative signings as the Saudi transfer deadline approaches this Friday.
This situation highlights Brighton's strategic focus on maintaining its core squad, even in the face of lucrative offers from wealthier clubs. The decision to reject the bid for Mitoma reflects a broader trend among Premier League clubs, which often prioritise squad stability over immediate financial gain. As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Al Nassr will need to act swiftly to secure reinforcements that can enhance their squad ahead of the upcoming season.