This is why Pep praised…Man City offer 830 billion won for Japanese dribbler Mitoma

Treble-winning Manchester City are interested in Japan international winger Kaoru Mitoma (26, Brighton).

“Manchester City are keeping tabs on Mitoma as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli),” the English publication The Daily Star reported on June 6.

Mahrez spent five years at Manchester City, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists in 236 games. Last season, he was a key contributor as City won the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the English Football Association (FA) Cup.

With the departure of Mahrez, who technically breaks down opposing defenses from the flanks, City will need to find a replacement. Mitoma is an attacker with considerable strength off the dribble, scoring seven goals in the Premier League last season to catch the eye of big clubs.

With his individual skills, many clubs wanted him. Chelsea and Arsenal were among the clubs that were in contact with Mitoma after Brighton deemed him fit for the Premier League. Manchester City, who need to strengthen their flanks, are expected to make a move.

Perhaps hinting at this, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been very complimentary of Mitoma during the preseason. During a visit to Japan last month, Guardiola called Mitoma “an unbelievably good player” and said, “He’s playing well under the right manager for him. His performance last season was very good 메이저놀이터.”

With Guardiola so impressed with Mitoma, Manchester City are tempting Brighton with their wealth of resources. According to the Daily Star, Manchester City will spend £50 million to sign Mitoma, and with the new season just around the corner, they could spend more than £50 million if Brighton stubbornly resist.

Brighton will likely try to hold on to Mitoma for as long as possible. They have ruled out any further key departures after losing midfield stalwart Alexis Sanchez to Liverpool. They have also rejected a number of bids from Chelsea for Moses Khedira and are unlikely to let Mitoma go.