Brighton 'increasingly fearful' of losing Roberto De Zerbi this summer
- De Zerbi of interest to a number of European giants after impressing with Brighton
- Seagulls boss appears to be growing frustrated with current situation
- Barcelona, Chelsea & Liverpool among sides linked with De Zerbi
By Tom Gott
Brighton & Hove Albion are growing 'increasingly concerned' they will lose manager Roberto De Zerbi this summer, a new report has alleged.
De Zerbi has impressed since his move to Brighton in September 2022 and has been heavily linked with a whole host of top sides heading into a summer which could see a huge number of managerial changes.
Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have all been linked with De Zerbi as they prepare to lose their current managers at the end of the season, while the Italian has also been tipped to join Chelsea or Manchester United if either club opts to part ways with their under-pressure bosses before the 2024/25 campaign.
With all the speculation swirling on, The Times state Brighton fear De Zerbi has been cutting a frustrated figure in recent weeks and may be tempted to explore a move to one of his many suitors.
De Zerbi has publicly challenged Brighton owner Tony Bloom over his lack of investment in the squad during the January transfer window. 19-year-old Valentin Barco arrived from Boca Juniors but De Zerbi wanted more senior reinforcements and made his feelings clear after his side's 4-0 defeat to Roma.
"There is a lesson to learn from this game for [Bloom], because in the future maybe we will be able to improve the team," De Zerbi said.
"For myself because I could handle the period between January and March much better and also for the players because they will walk away with many regrets. And with those regrets next time you know what to expect and you can improve."
De Zerbi also claimed he was "working in difficulties" ahead of Thursday's return leg against Roma, before quickly insisting he remains "on good terms" with everyone at the club.
Brighton are under no immediate pressure over De Zerbi's future as the Italian, who earns around £4.3m per year, remains under contract until 2026. His contract is understood to include a release clause worth around £11m which any interested side will have to trigger to get a deal done.
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