Brighton expected to make a change for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna after announcing that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after the final match of the season on Sunday.
De Zerbi and Brighton “mutually agreed” to go in separate directions after months of uncertainty about his futureleaving the Premier League club in need of a replacement manager ahead of the new season.
De Zerbi enhanced his already strong reputation during his time at Brighton and has admirers at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Reports in Germany indicate that De Zerbi is of great interest to Bayern Munich, who are still looking for a new coach.
There are also renewed doubts over Xavi Hernandez’s position at Barcelona.
In the Premier League, there continues to be uncertainty over management roles at Manchester United and Chelsea.
Brighton are said to be great admirers of McKenna, who led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and is considered one of the brightest young managers in European football, but could still face competition from United in the battle for the 38-year-old’s signature.
It remains to be seen whether McKenna will be willing to leave Ipswich this summer, soon after taking them to the Premier League. Telegraph Sport understands that if McKenna leaves, Ipswich could look to recruit Rob Edwards from Luton Town.
Michael Carrick is another manager who has impressed Brighton but, as revealed by Telegraph Sport this week, the former Manchester United midfielder is should sign a new contract with Middlesbrough.
De Zerbi, who led Brighton to their best-ever top-flight finish last season and to the Europa League last 16 earlier this year, said he now plans to “take a break” before deciding his next move.
“I am very sad to leave Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our incredible fans over the past two historic seasons,” said De Zerbi.
“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, particularly competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.”
Tony Bloom, Brighton chairman, said: “Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has taken the club to new heights, particularly our first European campaign which will live long in the memories of Albion fans.
“We have mutually agreed to terminate Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties, allowing us the first opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.
“I’m sure our fans will give Roberto and his team a wonderful and fully deserved send-off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.
“In the meantime, I would like to thank Roberto and his team for all their hard work over the last two seasons. Everyone leaves our club in good condition and with our best wishes for the future.”
Second season of De Zerbi in England It was more challenging than last year, with the club struggling with a series of injuries to key players. Ahead of Sunday’s meeting with United, Brighton are 10th in the Premier League table.
Where De Zerbi could go next
Bayern Munchen
Germany’s deposed champions said they had mutually agreed to terminate Thomas Tuchel’s contract and, despite speculation they could still keep him beyond this season, he is expected to leave in the summer, with a return to the Premier League – and potentially to Manchester United – discussed. . Bayern have been linked with a number of successors, including Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and Zinedine Zidane, but De Zerbi is believed to have a prominent place in the club’s list.
Barcelona
Xavi’s future remains in doubt despite his decision to make a U-turn and continue as manager. At the start of the season, Xavi said he would leave in the summer but later changed his mind, although that did not stop speculation he could be sacked after Barca saw rivals Real Madrid seal the La Liga title.
The Serie A giants sacked Massimiliano Allegri two days after he led the team to the Coppa Italia with a 1-0 win over Atalanta. Allegri was sent off for complaining about the managers and Juve said his behavior was “incompatible with Juventus’ values”. Paolo Montero is in interim charge until the end of the season and De Zerbi knows everything about Serie A from his playing days, as well as spells in charge of Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo, among others.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag is effectively on trial under the new regime at Old Trafford under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and De Zerbi has been mentioned as a candidate for the role in the past if Ten Hag is sacked. However, it is understood that he is not among the favorites if a place becomes available.
