Kaoru Mitoma has detailed why he chose to sign for Brighton over Celtic in 2021.
The 25-year-old was a prime target of Ange Postecoglou when he arrived at Parkhead almost two years ago.
He recently revealed how the Hoops were close to signing the attacker, only for Brighton to swoop in with a £2.5million deal instead.
The Japanese star has been a revelation in the Premier League, with his form this season earning him links to title hopefuls Arsenal.
He's the latest impressive signing Brighton have drafted in for a small investment and are likely to make huge profits on.
Mitoma admits he did seriously consider a move to Parkhead, and was flattered by Celtic's interest.
However, the pull of England's top flight was too great to resist.
He told Otus Sport: “I was flattered, but also I knew that the Premier League has the highest level of football in the world. This was why I accepted Brighton’s offer straight away.
"I did give some time to think about Celtic too, however, my desire to play in the strongest league in the world was very high, as well as my desire to play with and against the best players in the world."
Postecoglou told how he almost poached Mitoma from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.
He said: “I tried to get him here but it was already almost done for him to go to Brighton. Him and Kyogo were the first two players I tried to bring across.
“Mitoma would have been a good signing but, unfortunately for us, Brighton also have a very good scouting network.
“They managed to pick him up and there was never any doubt in my mind that he was one who was going to be a top player. He has done really well down there, which hasn’t surprised me.”
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