Roberto De Zerbi, who has been linked to Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, has maintained that he is still “100%” focused on his work at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Since taking over for Graham Potter as the Seagulls’ head coach in September 2022, the Italian has gained recognition as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. He has also won praise for his skill in developing young players and his appealing playing style.
Under De Zerbi’s guidance, Brighton qualified for the Europa League for the first time ever last season with a sixth-place Premier League result.
The Seagulls, who are now in seventh position, are still fighting for a spot in Europe and are in the top half of the table this season. They have also advanced to the Europa League last 16, where they will play Roma over two legs.
De Zerbi disclosed at the conclusion of the previous year that he is in discussions with Brighton to extend his contract past June 2026.
However, according to recent rumours, Brighton is prepared for the 44-year-old’s potential departure at the end of the season due to interest from several elite European teams.
Football Insider reports that De Zerbi is considered a “standout candidate” by club executives, particularly new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and has emerged as a “very strong contender” to succeed Erik ten Hag as Man United manager.
De Zerbi is reportedly attracting interest from both Liverpool and Barcelona as they compile a list of possible replacements for Xavi and Jurgen Klopp, who will step down at the end of the current campaign.
As they continue their search for a successor to departing manager Thomas Tuchel, Bayern Munich are the most recent European powerhouses to be associated with De Zerbi. He is thought to have been identified as a potential option to key target Xabi Alonso, who is also desired by Liverpool.
Since then, De Zerbi has responded to rumours concerning his future and reaffirmed his commitment to his Brighton position.
“I have only Brighton in my head,” De Zerbi remarked at a press conference on Friday in advance of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Fulham on Saturday. With our young players, I want us to compete and win as many games as we can to end the season in the best possible way.”
In response to a question about whether he will continue leading Brighton the following season, the Italian said, “Yes, I have a contract.” I haven’t made any decisions. Brighton is the only thing on my mind.”
De Zerbi said earlier this month that he was “proud” and “honoured” to hear of interest from other teams, but
