BRIGHTON FC RELEASE OFFICIAL STATEMENT AFTER REACHING AGREEMENT WITH CELTIC FC FOR A FIRST-TEAM STAR WHO HAS LONG BEEN A CELTIC TARGET

The summer transfer window has taken a dramatic turn after Brighton & Hove Albion announced that an agreement had been reached with Celtic FC for the transfer of one of their most influential first-team players. The unexpected development has immediately become one of the biggest talking points among football supporters, with many questioning why Brighton would be willing to part ways with such a key member of the squad.

According to the club’s statement, the agreement between the two sides remains subject to the player agreeing personal terms, successfully completing a medical, and the completion of all contractual and regulatory requirements. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, the announcement has triggered widespread discussion among fans of both clubs, with reactions pouring in across social media within minutes.

The player at the centre of the move is Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese international has developed into one of Brighton’s most exciting and consistent performers since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021. His pace, technical ability, direct running and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite at the Amex Stadium, making news of a potential departure all the more surprising.

Mitoma began his senior career with Kawasaki Frontale, making 50 appearances and scoring 21 goals before earning his move to the Premier League. Since joining Brighton, he has featured in 113 matches and found the back of the net 23 times, establishing himself as one of the club’s most dangerous attacking players.

His performances have regularly attracted attention from clubs across Europe, with Celtic long believed to admire the winger’s qualities.

CLUB STATEMENT

“Brighton & Hove Albion can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Celtic Football Club for the proposed transfer of Kaoru Mitoma, subject to the player agreeing personal terms, successfully completing a medical, and the completion of all necessary contractual and regulatory procedures.

Since joining the club, Kaoru has represented Brighton with professionalism, commitment and dedication both on and off the pitch. His performances, attitude and contribution have earned the admiration of teammates, staff and supporters, and he has played an important role during his time with the Seagulls.

While discussions have progressed positively between the two clubs, the transfer will not be considered complete until all remaining formalities have been concluded. Until then, Kaoru remains a Brighton & Hove Albion player.

The club would like to thank Kaoru for his outstanding service and wishes him every success for the future should the proposed move be completed”

The announcement has divided opinion among Brighton supporters, but one thing has been clear throughout the reaction—many fans are furious.

Thousands of comments appeared online shortly after the statement was released, with supporters expressing disbelief that the club would allow one of its standout players to leave.

A large section of the frustration has been directed at manager Fabian Hürzeler, with many supporters questioning the club’s decision-making. Some fans argued that Brighton should be building their future around experienced performers like Mitoma instead of allowing them to depart, while others insisted losing him would seriously weaken the team’s attacking threat heading into the new season.

Several supporters described the reported agreement as a huge mistake, claiming it sends the wrong message about Brighton’s ambitions. Others questioned whether adequate preparations had been made to replace a player capable of producing moments of brilliance in the Premier League against some of the strongest opposition in Europe.

Not everyone shared the same opinion, however. Some fans defended the club’s approach, suggesting that modern football often requires difficult financial decisions. They argued that if Brighton receive a significant transfer fee, the money could be reinvested into strengthening several areas of the squad, helping the club remain competitive over the long term.

FANS REACTION

@SeagullTom: “This is unbelievable. Selling one of our best players? I can’t support this decision. Massive disappointment. 😡”

@BHAEmma: “Kaoru has given us so many unforgettable moments. If this is true, replacing him will be almost impossible.”

@AlbionFaithful: “Fabian Hürzeler has got this completely wrong. Why would we let our biggest attacking threat leave?”

@NorthStandSam: “This better be a huge transfer fee because this decision makes absolutely no football sense.”

@MitomaMagic22: “Thank you for everything, Kaoru. If you do leave, you’ll always be one of my favourite Brighton players.”

Meanwhile, Celtic supporters have welcomed the news with enormous excitement. Many believe signing a player with Mitoma’s Premier League experience would represent one of the club’s biggest transfer statements in recent years. Fans have already begun imagining how his pace, creativity and attacking intelligence could transform Celtic’s forward line and increase their chances of success in both domestic and European competitions.

While financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, attention will now turn towards negotiations over personal terms and the remaining formalities required to complete the transfer. Until then, supporters from both clubs will continue to watch developments closely as one of the most talked-about stories of the transfer window unfolds.