Seike: I'd love to make the same impression as Mitoma

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Albion's two Japanese players went to the same university.

Bruce Talbot

2024-07-07T06:00:00Z

Kaoru Mitoma was at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre to welcome new signing Kiko Seike.

New signing Kiko Seike would love to make a similar impact to Albion’s Japanese men’s star Kaoru Mitoma.

The pair attended the same university and met up again at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre after Seike became our second signing ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign.

Kiko said, “We met at university, but I didn't realise that he would go on to become in a few years such a big star when he came to England. Life is interesting because you can meet people in interesting places!

Kiko Seike was top scorer in the Japanese League last season.

“He's the most popular player in Japan and we feel that he is a hero in Japan. He asked what I thought of the [training] facilities, and I said they were fantastic. I’m very ambitious, like Mitoma I want to do well for Brighton.”

Kiko was top scorer in the Japanese League last season but accepts she faces a period of adjustment as she settles into her first taste of football in Europe at the age of 27.

“If you compare the league to Japan, the players will have more speed, power and technique so there's a lot of difference, but I am very confident I have the speed to cope – that is one of my strengths,” she added. “And by playing together and in this environment I feel my levels can go up and up and I can become a better player.”

Kiko admits she was blown away by the quality of the facilities at the American Express Elite Performance Centre.

Kiko Seike went to the same university as Kaoru Mitoma.

“They are incredible – the pitches, the gym, analysis area, everything. I knew about them but when I saw them with my own eyes I saw they are at a really high level and I’m very excited about coming here and improving as a player.

“I feel it is the right time in my career for this challenge. I feel there is a lot of potential in the club and I like the city of Brighton. The people are really nice too, and I’m excited to help Brighton achieve their ambitions.”

Kiko is joining Albion from Japanese top-flight club and current champions Urawa Reds, for whom she has made more than 150 appearances since making her debut in 2014.

She has scored 39 goals including 20 last season when she helped Urawa retain their title. She also won the league’s most valuable player award and will be in Paris later this month as part of the Japan team at the Olympic Games.