Kaoru Mitoma (28, Brighton), a representative of Japan, sold his pride.
"Football Insider" reported on the 23rd that "Brighton has decided to allow Mitoma's transfer if a suitable offer comes this summer. Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League proposed £55 million (approximately 104.1 billion won) to acquire Mitoma but was rejected. Al Nassr will make a new offer with a higher amount this summer."
Mitoma is a key target for Al Nassr. Brighton plans to send Mitoma, who is under contract until 2027, and use the funds to bring in a new player. Mitoma, who was acquired by Brighton for just £2.5 million (approximately 4.7 billion won) in 2021, has become a player worth more than 20 times that value in four years.
After a loan in the Belgian league in the 21-22 season, Mitoma began to play in the Premier League from the 22-23 season. He scored seven goals in his debut season in the UK, creating a sensation. After finishing last season with only three goals due to injury, he has rebounded with eight goals this season.
Currently, Mitoma's weekly wage is £80,000 (approximately 150 million won), ranking third on the team. Premier League top earner Erling Haaland receives £525,000 (approximately 1 billion won) per week. If Mitoma heads to Saudi Arabia in his prime, he may surpass Haaland's weekly wage.
The highest weekly wage in the world belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr, who receives an astonishing £3.22 million (approximately 6.1 billion won) every week. The top five highest weekly wage earners in the world are all Saudi players.
However, there are disappointing reactions in Japan to the idea that a player in his prime would be blinded by salary and move to a lower-level league in Saudi Arabia.
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