Le Havre AC confirmed on Tuesday the arrival of Kaito Mizuta, its first summer signing for 2026. The 26‑year‑old Japanese attacking midfielder has signed a three‑year contract and will wear the number 17 shirt for the sky‑blue and marine side.

Who is Kaito Mizuta and where does he come from?

Mizuta spent seven years in Germany, featuring for Arminia Bielefeld in the 2. Bundesliga and Rot‑Weiss Essen in the 3. Liga. A product of Yokohama’s academy, he developed a game built on chance creation and decisive passing. The Norman club describes him as a "hard‑working player who loves to dish out key passes," a profile that matches HAC’s philosophy.

Why is this signing important for Le Havre AC?

The club is fighting for survival in Ligue 1: it sits 14th with 35 points, 7 wins, 14 draws and 13 losses after 34 games, and a recent form of WLDDD. With 32 goals scored and 44 conceded, the HAC needs a creator to ease the offensive burden. Mizuta, accustomed to playing between the lines, could provide the midfield depth needed and help narrow the –12 goal difference.

What challenges does Mizuta face?

Moving from German football to Ligue 1 is a significant step up. The faster pace and defensive intensity of French teams, especially the leader Paris Saint‑Germain who sits 41 points ahead, demand a quick adaptation. The player must adjust to the physical demands of the league while maintaining his vision.

What short‑term impact can be expected?

The HAC hopes Mizuta will immediately influence the attacking phases, crafting chances for captain Charles‑Alexis Dumas and striker Youssouf Fofana. His number 17 will be on display as early as the next match against LOSC Lille, where the HAC will aim to turn a recent draw into a win. If the Japanese midfielder settles quickly, he could become a key asset in the club’s fight to stay in France’s top flight.

Le Havre AC will keep a close eye on the new midfielder’s performances, aware that every point matters in the battle against relegation.