De Zerbi takes aim at Brighton bosses amid exit rumours

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Feb 2024 15:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Roberto de Zerbi is not happy about Brighton's January transfer window.

Though the Seagulls snapped up two exceptional, highly-rated talents in the transfer window just gone in the form of Caylan Vickers and Valentin Barco, Brighton also saw midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud depart the club, returning to the Bundesliga and signing for surprise package VfB Stuttgart.

Speaking to the media ahead of his side's clash with Crystal Palace, Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi could not hide his frustration at seeing Dahoud leave the club without an adequate replacement coming in. "We are two less players in midfield. I spoke with the club, but they decided in another way. We move on anyway. My focus is on the pitch."

Regarding the transfer window, the Italian said: "I don't know, we will see in the next game. It's not my business, the transfer market." De Zerbi clearly expected to be given some solid reinforcements in January after a strange old first half to the campaign.

The Seagulls are not quite playing the swashbuckling football of last season and recently hit their nadir when they were smashed 4-0 by promoted side Luton Town. The entire situation is a bit tense at the club, which will only fuel speculation about De Zerbi's future.

De Zerbi to leave?

The 44-year-old is one of Europe's most highly rated and sought-after coaches, and alarm bells will certainly be ringing at Brighton in light of the Italian's recent frustration. De Zerbi has been frequently tipped to become a coach at one of Europe's top clubs in the not-too-distant future.

At the end of the season, the chance to fulfil this expectation could present itself. Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool and Xavi will depart Barcelona in the summer. Both clubs have been associated with De Zerbi, who has also been mentioned as a candidate to replace under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.

Whether the Italian will depart Brighton remains to be seen, but it is clear that De Zerbi has plenty of admirers all over Europe. If things don't improve in the second half of the season, he may feel that he has taken Brighton as far as he can.