Photo by Shunsuke Mito: Getty Images
It was reported that Albirex Niigata midfielder Shunsuke Mito could move to the Premier League (English First Division) Liverpool, where Japanese national team midfielder Wataru Endo is a member, and Brighton, where midfielder Kaoru Mitoma is located.
Mito, currently 21 years old, is a wide forward at JFA Academy Fukushima. In September 2020, he won a bid to join Niigata the following year and suddenly excelled by appearing in 25 games in the J2 League in the 2021 season, his first year as a professional. In the 2022 season he played 24 league matches and scored 6 goals, contributing to the promotion to J1. In the 2023 season, he appeared in the starting lineup for 24 league matches and scored 4 goals, demonstrating his true potential in the J1 stage. In addition to winning the J League’s best young player award, he has also been selected several times for the Japan U22 national team. He appeared in the starting line-up in an international friendly against Argentina on the 18th of last month.
As one of Japan’s top prospects and a talent expected to participate in the Paris Olympics, Mito appears to be gaining recognition abroad as well. “Liverpool.com”, a Liverpool specialist site, ran the headline: “Liverpool should win competition with Brighton and win the ‘next three stars’, who have been compared to Lionel Messi”, announcing Mito’s victory. departure Special features.
After talking about the player’s playing style and results in Niigata, he said: “In the international friendly against Argentina, Mito was compared to Messi. Japan’s extraordinary result against Argentina is noteworthy. Japan by age group This indicates that there may be a growing tendency for national team players to attract the attention of Europe’s top clubs more quickly.”
Citing an article in Italian newspaper Calciomercato, “Liverpool.com” reported that “not only Brighton but also Bundesliga and Belgian clubs are keeping an eye on him.”
Noting that the transfer fee required to acquire Mito is low, he added: “Even if he is not yet physically ready to compete in the Premier League, he will be the next Japanese star heading to Europe.” “There is a possibility. There is also the possibility of sending him on loan to gain experience.”
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