According to Football Insider, Brighton are unwilling to include a release clause in any potential new contract for star winger Kaoru Mitoma.

The Seagulls are optimistic of finalising a deal with the 26-year-old, according to Football Insider on Friday (6 October).

Mitoma’s current contract expires in June 2025, and numerous premier Premier League clubs are interested in acquiring his services.

Nonetheless, it is unlikely that a release clause will be incorporated in his new contract.

According to a reliable source, a buyout clause would “go against how Brighton do their business.”

Moises Caicedo’s contract did not include a release clause when he signed for Chelsea in the summer for a reputed £115 million.

The Ecuador international signed a new contract with Brighton in March but was released just under six months later.

Meanwhile, it is believed that the Seagulls had a verbal deal with Alexis MacAllister that permitted him to join Liverpool for a reduced amount during the summer transfer window.

The Reds paid an original reported sum of £35 million, which increased to £55 million with add-ons.

Mitoma, who has had a strong start to the new season, is in the same league as the outgoing duo.

In 10 appearances across all competitions, the right-footer has three goals and four assists.

He has 10 goals and eight assists in 41 games in all competitions last season, helping the Seagulls to a historic sixth-place finish.

The Japan international is now paid £10,000 per week but is set to receive a substantial raise with any prospective new contract.

In other news, Brighton intends to restart 32-year-old talks soon.

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Chris Sutton claims 24-year-old Liverpool player will shine against Brighton

Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister to haunt his old club this weekend.

The BBC Sport pundit reckons the Reds midfielder will shine when his new side faces Brighton on Sunday.

Liverpool signed Mac Allister this summer for a reported £35million fee, potentially rising to £55million.

The Argentina international has done well at Anfield. He has started in each of Liverpool’s seven Premier League outings so far.

Mac Allister has also featured in both of the Reds’ Europa League appearances, albeit off the bench.

On Sunday, the 24-year-old will get the chance to return to his old stomping ground as Liverpool lock horns with the Seagulls.

Sutton, writing on BBC Sport, reckons the Reds will beat Brighton 3-2, and Mac Allister will play a big part for the visitors.

“Brighton beat Liverpool twice at the Amex Stadium last season – 3-0 in the league and 2-1 in the FA Cup – but this is a different Liverpool side, especially in midfield,” he wrote.

“I can see Alexis Mac Allister shining on his old patch, and taking home the points.”

Our view

It’ll likely be an emotional weekend for Mac Allister, who returns to the club that launched his career in Europe and helped turn him into a World Cup-winning superstar.

The Seagulls scouting system is absolutely world-class. Even if Mac Allister was their only modest signing that they’ve turned into a star in recent years, you’d be thinking ‘fair play’.

However, Brighton have made multiple such moves, signing unknown players and turning them into world-class stars, in some cases selling for a huge profit.

Liverpool should also get to see Anfield icon James Milner again, though sadly it’ll have to be before and/or after the game.

He’s currently nursing a muscular injury and is expected back after the international break.