BREAKING: The head coach of Brighton has announced that he is leaving the team to join AC Milan during the pre-game press conference. Two outstanding players will also depart the team as free agents

Roberto De Zerbi set for incredible opportunity after leaving Brighton to join AC Milan after a press conference Earlier today

When Graham Potter left Brighton and Hove Albion for Chelsea, Seagulls fans could’ve been forgiven for fretting over what came next, however, his replacement, Roberto De Zerbi, proved to be an inspired choice.

The Italian took the baton from Potter and ran with it.

Brighton’s highest-ever top-flight finish, as well as a decent run in Europe are just two of many highlights from De Zerbi’s time at the club.

AC Milan want Roberto De Zerbi

A period which has now come to an end after a recent announcement from both the club and their former manager that they were parting via mutual consent.

It’s believed that the Italian had different ideas from Brighton owner, Tony Bloom, and to that end, it meant the end of De Zerbi’s association with the club.

For a coach that is clearly forward-thinking in his ideas and application, it seems an odd decision from the club to allow him to walk, thus losing out on a significant release clause fee in the process.

From De Zerbi’s point of view he can sit back and relax and wait for any clubs to come to him, however, it seems like he won’t be relaxing for long.

 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 44-year-old has become a confirmed target for AC Milan, who are looking for a replacement for Stefano Pioli.

The outlet have suggested that the Rossoneri have long been interested in De Zerbi but were previously put off by his release clause.

With that no longer an issue, he becomes an attractive proposition, and coaching at one of Italy’s most storied outfits would surely also appeal to De Zerbi himself.

There’s a way to go before any deal can be rubber stamped, though if both parties are equally willing, there’s no reason why something can’t be agreed quickly.

For so much of the season, the Italian’s name was linked with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. But he now leaves the Amex with Arne Slot appointed at Anfield, while other doors appear to be closing, too.

Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton mutually agreed to part ways after just under two seasons in charge; De Zerbi guided the club into Europe last year but their form slumped in the second half of the campaign; Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is interesting the Seagulls

It perhaps speaks to Brighton’s decline during the second half of the season, when they won just four Premier League games and suffered a heavy defeat to Roma as they exited the Europa League.