Brighton & Hove Albion are now growing in confidence about their chances of keeping manager Roberto De Zerbi beyond this summer, a report has revealed.
De Zerbi has publicly voiced frustrations towards his current situation at Brighton, pleading for more investment from owner Tony Bloom and even admitting he would not entertain the idea of a new contract at this point.
Last month, it was reported that Brighton were ‘increasingly fearful‘ of losing De Zerbi, but now The Athletic claim that sentiment has flipped and there is growing confidence that the Italian will stay.
The likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been linked with De Zerbi, although none are believed to have seriously advanced their interest in the Italian at this point, with Brighton instead looking to tie him down to a contract extension.
While negotiations over a new deal have been put on hold until De Zerbi and Bloom have spoken, the belief is that the manager is open to continuing at the Amex Stadium beyond this season.
“I am focused to feel again, to make our fans happy for another season,” De Zerbi said recently. “To reach Europe and to have the chance to play in the Europa League or Conference League for another season, because I know the experience is crucial in football. I am pushing for that. I don’t know if we reach it or not.
“I have not decided to leave, it is not the right time yet to decide anything. I am frustrated, and I am disappointed for this season. But I never fight with Tony, I never fight with Paul Barber [chief executive], with my players.”
De Zerbi’s current contract with Brighton runs until 2026. He is reported to have a release clause of £12m in his deal.
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