BREAKING: Roberto De Zerbi To Leave Brighton After Final Premier League Game

De Zerbi and Brighton have mutually agreed to part company despite the Italian having two more years on his contract.

The 44-year-old joined Brighton as a replacement for Graham Potter in September 2022 and led them to the Europa League for the first time in their history.

This season, Brighton reached the round of 16 stage of the Europa League but injuries have played a part in their slide down the table.

They currently sit tenth on the table ahead of hosting Manchester United on Sunday.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: "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. 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."

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 has been linked with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Napoli.