Brighton & Hove Albion and Roberto De Zerbi will go their separate ways after Sunday’s season-ending fixture against Manchester United.
In the club’s official press release on Sunday, the Seagulls confirmed a mutual agreement with the Italian manager over the termination of his contract in East Sussex.
“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future,” chairman Tony Bloom said.
“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send-off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.”
De Zerbi took charge in the wake of Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea in September 2022 and helped Brighton qualify for European football for the first time in his maiden season at the helm.
The Seagulls punched above their weight to secure a sixth-placed finish in the 2022/23 Premier League season and qualify for the Europa League.
However, Brighton have collapsed this term, losing their grip on the European spots in the domestic championship following a last-16 Europa League exit to Roma.
As the season nears its conclusion, the time has come for one of Europe’s most highly-rated young managers to wave goodbye to the Amex Stadium.
Sunday’s home game against Man Utd end the Italian’s two-year tenure in Sussex and allow Brighton fans to bid a proper farewell to the man who rewrote the club’s history books.
De Zerbi’s future remains a mystery.
Previously approached by Liverpool as a potential candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp, he lost that race to Arne Slot and is now available for other proposals.
One could come from none other than his last rival in charge of Brighton.
With United still reluctant to confirm Erik ten Hag as their manager for next season, there’s a chance for the Italian to take his first high-profile role in England.
