Roberto De Zerbi to leave Brighton on Sunday as club release shock statement
Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton after their final Premier League match of the season on Sunday.
The Italian manager, who has been at the club for two years, has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Seagulls after amicable talks with owner Tony Bloom this week.
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De Zerbi guided Brighton to a stunning sixth-place finish in his first campaign, earning admirers for his attractive style of play.
The Seagulls qualified for the Europa League but got knocked out in the Round of 16 before a disappointing run of one win in nine games, leaving them tenth before the last round of fixtures this term.
talkSPORT understands De Zerbi will leave with no pay off and no gardening leave.
In a surprise club statement, the manager 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.
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“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.”
The highly-rated 44-year-old has been linked with a number of top European clubs but he is yet to confirm his next move.
Bayern Munich previously look most likely to offer him an immediate return to management.
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However it's understood that De Zerbi is unlikely to take the Bayern job and had not held talks with any other clubs.
talkSPORT understands Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who has guided the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League in two seasons, is a leading contender to succeed De Zerbi at Brighton.
Brighton face Manchester United at the Amex Stadium in their final game of the 2023/24 campaign on Sunday.
De Zerbi was under contract with the Seagulls until 2026.
Chairman Bloom added: "Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans.
“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.”
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