Roberto De Zerbi, the current manager of Brighton, has clarified that he does not have an immediate new contract with the club. This revelation has fueled speculation about his future, with many considering him as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool or Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.
De Zerbi’s contract with Brighton runs until 2026 and reportedly has a release clause of around £12 million, similar to the rumored release clause of Ruben Amorim, who is currently the frontrunner for the Liverpool job. When asked about a potential new contract at Brighton, De Zerbi responded, “At the moment, no [not possible to sign a new contract]. We didn’t find agreement, but it’s only part of it. The big part is the plan (for the club).”
The Italian manager emphasized the importance of discussing the club’s future plans with owner and chairman Tony Bloom before making a decision about his own future. He expressed his ambition and desire to know what the project for Brighton entails, stating, “I want to keep my ambition. My relationship with my players and the fans can’t change depending on the future. What we have done is history and no one can forget it.”
Considering the interest in De Zerbi’s services from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, it is understandable that he would prioritize assurances about Brighton’s future. The decision to delay signing a new contract may also be influenced by mixed views from Liverpool fans regarding his suitability as Klopp’s successor.
Klopp himself praised De Zerbi’s coaching abilities but acknowledged that their styles of play differ significantly. He stated, “The way they play. It’s a really different way; I couldn’t coach that, it goes against my personality, but it’s a good watch.” Despite the stylistic differences, Klopp recognized De Zerbi as a top coach and expressed his admiration for his team’s playing style.
In terms of Brighton’s upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield, De Zerbi confirmed that he will be without several key players including James Milner, Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso, Billy Gilmour, Solly March, and Kaoru Mitoma. The absence of these players may pose a challenge for Brighton as they face the reigning Premier League champions.
As De Zerbi’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that discussions with Tony Bloom about Brighton’s plans will play a significant role in determining his next move. Whether he remains at Brighton or takes on a new challenge at Liverpool or Bayern Munich, De Zerbi’s coaching abilities and unique playing style have undoubtedly caught the attention of top clubs in European football.