Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that head coach Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after their final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United on Sunday.
The 44-year-old succeeded Graham Potter in September 2022 and oversaw the Seagulls' highest top-flight finish (sixth place) in 2022-23, securing European football for the first time in the club's history.
During his time at the Amex Stadium, De Zerbi has established himself as one of Europe's brightest young coaches and has received plaudits for his attractive style of play and ability to work with young players.
De Zerbi's Brighton had high aspirations for another successful season in 2023-24, but several injuries and a notable drop-off in form has ultimately hindered their progress during the second half of the campaign.
The Seagulls made a bright start to their Europa League campaign and finished top of their group before they lost 4-1 on aggregate to Roma in the round of 16.
Brighton were eliminated in the third and fifth rounds of the EFL Cup and FA Cup respectively, while they currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, following a run of just two wins in 12 league games, and are at risk of slipping into the bottom half.
© Reuters
Brighton mutually agree to terminate De Zerbi's contract
Earlier this season, De Zerbi publicly revealed that he was in talks with Brighton over extending his contract beyond June 2026.
However, amid reported interest in De Zerbi's services from a number of top European clubs, both parties have now mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season, with the Italian to manage his final game in charge of Brighton at home against Man United on Sunday.
A statement from Brighton chairman Tony Bloom read: "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.
"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.
"In the meantime, I'd like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future."
© Reuters
De Zerbi "sad" to be leaving Brighton
Speaking to the club's official website following the announcement of his exit, De Zerbi said, "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons.
"We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.
"I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."
De Zerbi has taken charge of 88 games as Brighton boss across all competitions, winning 38, drawing 20 and losing 30.
What next for De Zerbi?
De Zerbi was heavily linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool earlier this season, but it has now been confirmed by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot that he will be taking the reins of the Merseyside outfit in the summer.
The Italian is not short of interest, though, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich believed to have identified him as one of their leading candidates to succeed Thomas Tuchel.
A potential move to Man United has also been mooted for De Zerbi amid uncertainty over the long-term future of current Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.
Oliver Thomas
