“We can discuss it” – Player hints he’ll be up for move to Brighton if De Zerbi class

Sassuolo midfielder Maxime Lopez has revealed he is more than open to reuniting with Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton this summer should the Italian manager want it.

The Frenchman has been speaking to Le Media Carré, relayed by Sassuolo News, about his plans for this summer as he looks for a move away from the Italian club.

He’s been with them since initially joining on loan from Marseille in October 2020 before that move was made permanent in July 2021.

 

He’s been a key player since his arrival, managing four goals and two assists in 98 games and working under De Zerbi during his time at the club.

That association means he’s been linked with a move to Brighton ever since De Zerbi arrived, with the pair enjoying a strong relationship from their time together in Italy.

With Brighton looking for midfielders this summer to replace Alexis Mac Allister and potentially Moises Caicedo, who has also been linked with a move away, a transfer would make sense and it seems Lopez is open to it if an offer is made.

 

“I spent three seasons at Sassuolo, which is a great club,” he said.

“I’ve already talked to them about my future, I thanked them because in a certain way they relaunched me and also allowed me to show off, but I think the time has come to go and aim higher.

“I feel very good in Italy, I love this country, I speak Italian, and there are big clubs and if I could go to one of these clubs it would be the best. I also really like a club in the south that reminds me a lot of Marseille.

“Then there’s the Premier League. De Zerbi? If he calls me from Brighton, we can discuss it seriously.

“Return to Marseille? I’ve thought about it several times, I’d like to come back but you don’t have to come back just to come back, I keep wondering if it’s a good choice or not