Brighton are reported to be preparing for manager Roberto De Zerbi’s possible move to Liverpool at the end of the present campaign.
De Zerbi has been named in connection to Jurgen Klopp’s replacement this summer. His style of football appears a natural successor to Klopp, who announced he’ll be departing Anfield at the end of the season last month.
The Daily Mail claim Brighton are bracing themselves for De Zerbi’s potential exit, as many European clubs have taken an interest in the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk manager. He’s received high-praise for the work he’s done at the Amex Stadium.
That includes leading the Seagulls to their first Europa League. Sitting ninth in the Premier League, they’re still competing to secure another spot in Europe this season.
De Zerbi is also linked to Manchester United as there are speculations about Erik ten Hag’s role with INEOS taking over at Old Trafford. Despite this, he’s expressed interest in extending his tenure at Brighton.
Speaking in December, the 44-year-old said:
“We are speaking about the new contract but at the moment we are only speaking. At the end we have to analyse the target.
“If the targets are the same as the club’s, it’s an honour for me working in Brighton. I don’t try to reach the higher level. It’s important for me to fix an important target.”
He recently responded to questioning about Liverpool with a shake of the head, insisting: “My focus is just on the last part of the season.
“We are going to compete and to play a historic part of the season. We compete in the Premier League to reach the same target as last season.”
Brighton have been great at dealing with changes, like when Graham Potter departed for Chelsea and technical director Dan Ashworth joined Newcastle, or when players like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister had to be replaced.
Sam Jewell, their current head of recruitment, might be off to Chelsea or Manchester United with both clubs said to be interested in his services. He praised their planning for all eventualities in the summer.
“We’re very lucky at Brighton because our succession planning means there is very little upheaval when people do move on,” Jewell explained.
“Departures are part and parcel of football, and while it was sad to see two really good people leave us, it has opened doors to others, including me.”
