Roberto De Zerbi is on the verge of making a surprising return to management after parting ways with Brighton at the end of the season. The Italian manager and the Seagulls mutually decided to separate due to differing visions for the future, marking the end of his two-year tenure at the club.
Brighton is close to appointing 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler from St Pauli as De Zerbi’s replacement, with negotiations reportedly progressing well.
De Zerbi’s future has been a topic of much speculation, with many expecting him to take up a high-profile position. He had held discussions with Manchester United, but the club ultimately chose to continue with Erik ten Hag. Similarly, Chelsea and Liverpool, who were in search of new managers, decided to hire Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot, respectively.
Nearing Agreement with Marseille
According to The Sun, De Zerbi is nearing a managerial comeback, likely in France. Reports suggest that he is close to reaching an agreement with Marseille in Ligue 1. The French club, which finished eighth last season under Jean-Louis Gasset, is looking for a fresh start after a disappointing campaign. Gasset, who took over from Gennaro Gattuso in February, announced his retirement at the end of his contract, leaving the managerial position vacant.
Marseille’s Proposal
Marseille has reportedly sent a proposal to De Zerbi, and contract negotiations are currently underway. If finalized, this move would mark a significant step for both De Zerbi and Marseille, as the club aims to improve its standings after a lackluster season. The previous year, Marseille finished third and had aspirations of challenging for the league title, ambitions they hope De Zerbi can help them achieve.
Missed Opportunities
Despite his achievements with Brighton, including leading them to European competition for the first time in their history, De Zerbi missed out on several high-profile opportunities. In addition to Manchester United, he was linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, but those clubs opted for other candidates.
Manchester United had conducted a post-season review and chose to stick with Ten Hag, who delivered the FA Cup despite the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish. It is believed that at least two potential replacements for Ten Hag were unimpressed with the terms offered by United.
Conclusion
Roberto De Zerbi’s impending move to Marseille signifies a new chapter for both the manager and the club. After a successful stint at Brighton and being linked with several top clubs, De Zerbi now has the opportunity to reinvigorate Marseille and help them achieve their ambitions in Ligue 1. As contract negotiations continue, fans will eagerly await confirmation of his appointment and the impact he will have on the French side