Kaoru Mitoma has been challenged to build on two “really strong seasons” in Japan.

The 24-year-old Olympic international has signed a four-year deal and will start life as an Albion player by going on loan to Royal Union St-Gilloise for the new season.

Mitoma scored 30 goals and added 19 assists in 64 games for Kawasaki Frontale, helping them to the J-League title.

Albion technical director Dan Ashworth said: “We’re delighted be able to sign Kaoru, who arrives off the back of a couple of really strong seasons in Japan.

“As part of his development we have decided to loan him to Union Saint-Gilloise, to help him become accustomed to European football, and test himself in a different environment.

“He’s one we have tracked for a while, so we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses in the next year and we will be watching him closely during his time in Belgium.”

BRIGHTON'S REDA KHADRA SET FOR LOAN DEAL

USG have returned to the Belgian top flight this season for the first time in 48 years and, as a consequence, will offer a better platform for new arrival to Europe than was the case when, for example, Percy Tau joined them on loan following his move from South Africa.

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