Roberto De Zerbi took over as manager of Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2022, succeeding Graham Potter, and led the team to an impressive sixth-place finish in the Premier League. However, in the 2023/24 season, Brighton finished 11th, and De Zerbi has since left the club, with reports indicating he is likely to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.
According to Alex Crook, SPORTLINES1 chief football correspondent, the move is progressing and is nearing completion. De Zerbi’s departure from Brighton was unexpected, announced just before their final game of the season against Manchester United. He agreed to a mutual termination of his contract. There had been rumors that he was considered for the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag was replaced, but discussions between De Zerbi’s advisors and Manchester United did not advance.
De Zerbi was also linked with a return to Italy, but sources suggest he preferred to manage in another country, with France, and specifically Marseille, being a likely destination. At Brighton, De Zerbi had a significant release clause exceeding £10 million, which has been reduced as part of the contract termination agreement, meaning Brighton will still receive compensation from the deal.
Marseille’s passionate fanbase will be awaiting De Zerbi’s arrival, a move that could either be very successful or problematic, as Crook suggests.
