Sport
Roberto De Zerbi Confirm a Significant Moved Of £ 12.8million
Brighton would command a significant compensation fee for their manager Roberto De Zerbi amid ongoing links with Manchester United, according to reports.
De Zerbi has attracted plenty of interest since making the move from Sassuolo to Brighton in September 2022. The Italian led his side to sixth in the Premier League last season, securing a first ever European finish while playing some of the most exciting and tactically-advanced football in the country
Form has been patchy this season but that has not deterred the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona, who are both on the hunt for a new manager in the summer. United may join them, with speculation over the future of Erik ten Hag intensifying, but The Mirror reports that a move for De Zerbi could cost £12.8million
The 44-year-old is under contract at the AMEX until 2026 and so an early parting of ways would need to benefit Brighton, who have built a reputation as stern negotiators. They got £21.5m from Chelsea for De Zerbi’s predecessor, Graham Potter, and have often come out of player transfers with tens of millions
De Zerbi recently admitted it was an ‘honour’ to be linked with Europe’s top clubs but insisted he was happy at Brighton, who currently sit ninth in the Premier League. The Seagulls face Serie A giants Roma in their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday and speaking earlier this week, the Seagulls boss revealed he would like to return home in the future.
“I do what makes me happy and right now I am happy where I am,” he told reporters. “It makes me happy when we win but also when we lose. One day I will return to Italy but I don’t know when that day will come.
After United’s ultimate Premier League finish is revealed at the end of the season, Ten Hag’s status should become more apparent. Though both appear implausible, it is believed that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is demanding FA Cup glory as well as qualification for the Champions League the following season.Later this month, United will play Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Meanwhile, they trail Tottenham in fifth place by six points and Aston Villa in fourth place after losing their last two league games to Fulham and Manchester City. The teams they play next, Sheffield United and Everton, are relegation candidates.
