Roberto de Zerbi to leave Brighton after Man United match

Breaking news.

The Italian, who has exhilarated Premier League fans with his attacking football, departs the club following a "mutual" agreement with the board.

Brighton finished sixth place at the end of an exceptional 2022/2023 Premier League season and reached the last sixteen of this year's UEFA Europa League.

In a statement on Brighton's website, De Zerbi 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.

“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.”

De Zerbi leaves Brighton.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom commented, "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.

It will be interesting to see where De Zerbi ends up next, with clubs like Manchester United reported to be on the lookout for a new manager.

One thing is for sure - he is going to be in very high demand.