Roberto De Zerbi wants MORE control over Brighton’s transfer plans, with the Italian keen to have a greater input when it comes to scouting and recruitment amid interest from Europe’s elite clubs
- Roberto De Zerbi is keen to have increased input into Brighton’s transfer plans
- The Italian has done a fine job since replacing Graham Potter last September
- De Zerbi has kept Brighton firmly in the hunt for European football this season
Roberto De Zerbi is keen to have increased input into Brighton’s transfer plans after leading the club to the brink of European football this season.
The Italian has done a fine job since replacing Graham Potter last September, keeping Brighton firmly in the hunt for European football while playing some of the most exciting football in the country.
They are seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with three games in hand, and face Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals. This has the potential to be one of the greatest seasons in the history of the club.
De Zerbi is hugely admired in his homeland, where Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan may all change coaches this summer.
Tottenham are also looking for a new boss following the departure of Antonio Conte, while there could be movement at both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Roberto De Zerbi is keen to have increased input into Brighton’s transfer plans going forward
De Zerbi is pushing for greater control over transfers than he has currently (Pictured: Pervis Estupinan holds up a Brighton shirt after completing his move from Villarreal last summer)
Brighton’s recruitment model is admired across Europe after unearthing players like Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard, who were all sold for significant profit. Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Kaoru Mitoma would all generate huge sums were they to depart this summer.
Brighton dug their heels in and refused to sell Caicedo amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, a firm stance and outcome that would have pleased De Zerbi who was adamant in private that he should not be sold mid-season.
It is thought, however, that De Zerbi is pushing for greater control over transfers than he has currently. Under Tony Bloom’s ownership, Brighton’s method has been to have the coach in charge of training, selection and tactics, while leaving scouting and recruitment to others.
The 43-year-old caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs while at Sassuolo, a small Italian club whose style of play was perhaps the best in Serie A during his tie.
De Zerbi then moved to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, though his time was cut short by the outbreak of war last February.
Brighton’s recruitment model under owner Tony Bloom (pictured) is admired across Europe
