It seems like Roberto De Zerbi will be leaving Brighton this summer, according to Italian media. Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing him.
The 44-year-old Italian coach has kept up his impressive form with the Seagulls this season, enthralling south coast supporters with his dynamic style of offensive 4-2-3-1 football. This system has both its highs and lows, as shown in the 4-2 victory against Tottenham and the 4-0 defeat to Roma.
Even though they were eliminated from the Europa League, Brighton are still in a strong position going into the latter months of the season as they are fighting for a berth in the European qualifying round in the Premier League. De Zerbi has been said to be interested in playing for elite clubs around Europe.
De Zerbi is reportedly getting set to quit Brighton at the end of the season to give one of Europe’s best teams a go, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Many clubs are interested in acquiring him, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The strategist seemed to be hinting to his impending summer departure from the club when he told Italian media after the Europa League exit: “Let’s see if we can reach an important goal again, then next year whoever is here will think about how to improve on this season.” I believe he meant him literally.
De Zerbi’s contract has a €13 million release clause, and he presently makes about €5 million net every season with Brighton. When big teams come knocking, the Seagulls will not strive to keep the strategist out of gratitude and respect.