If Manchester United or any other clubs are eyeing Roberto De Zerbi as a potential next manager, they’ll need to shell out more than £12 million in compensation to lure him from Brighton in the upcoming summer.
At 44 years old, De Zerbi has left a significant mark since joining the Amex Stadium last season. He has garnered admiration from United, especially since co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not publicly Erik ten Hag supported yet. Despite United’s ongoing participation in the FA Cup, no definitive decision has been reached regarding Ten Hag’s future.
Securing De Zerbi would require a package of at least £12 million for him to depart from Brighton, where he has a contract until 2026, having joined the club 17 months ago.
When Graham Potter moved to Chelsea last season, Brighton received £21.5 million, which prompted their pursuit of De Zerbi. This amount covered expenses for Potter’s staff as Brighton aimed to safeguard themselves against top Premier League clubs attempting to acquire talent inexpensively.
The Italian is anticipated to attract attention from clubs across Europe seeking a top-tier manager to achieve success. At Brighton, players have spoken about his meticulous rehearsals of their build-up play from the back, refining their playing style under his guidance.
Among his admirers is Pep Guardiola, who believes De Zerbi is bound for a prominent club. De Zerbi will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a grand stage this week as Brighton takes on Roma in the Europa League.
“I’m sure Roberto can train in any team,” Guardiola said earlier in the season. “I don’t have any doubt. He can train Brighton and all the teams around the world. They are top, I was appointed as Barcelona’s first team coach from the fourth division with no experience. Doesn’t mean you have to be at top clubs to be manager of top clubs.”
Roberto De Zerbi himself has since revealed he was in talks over a new contract at Brighton. “I usually work to be happy and to enjoy and I feel very good in Brighton,” said the Italian.
“I have a great relationship with the players, with the club, with Tony [Bloom, chairman], with Paul Barber [chief executive], with David Weir [technical director] and everybody who works in Brighton. Yes, we are speaking about the new contract but at the moment we are [only] speaking, it’s not done yet.”
