Potter set for shock return as Chelsea announce Maresca

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Jun 2024 15:42 BST
4 min read

Graham Potter could be set for a shock return to Brighton, according to a report.

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The coaching merry-go-round has entered into a new stage following Chelsea's appointment of Enzo Maresca. After Hansi Flick at Barcelona and Vincent Kompany at Bayern, the Blues now also have a new man in charge.

This means that good opportunities for highly-regarded free agents are increasingly at a premium. The Man Utd job could yet become available, with Erik ten Hag demanding clarity on his future this week. Following Maresca's move to Chelsea, Leicester City are now also in the market for a new gaffer.

Finally, there is Brighton, who are still looking for a successor to Roberto de Zerbi. The Seagulls have already been snubbed by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who decided to stay and sign a fresh long-term contract after being informed that Chelsea had stopped considering him for their coaching position.

Potter back to Brighton?

Now, The Athletic reports that Graham Potter is currently being considered by Brighton. The 49-year-old coached the South Coast club between 2019 and 2022, eventually leaving for Chelsea, where he only lasted a few months.

Potter has been linked with a host of jobs since leaving Stamford Bridge last year, most recently being in talks to join Ajax before turning down the Dutch giants. The ex-Swansea boss is also reportedly a target for Man Utd should they decide to give Ten Hag the sack.

Brighton are conducting a meticulous coaching search and, naturally, the name of Potter has appeared on their radar, given the outstanding job he did at the Amex before leaving for west London, turning a bottom-six into a top-half side.

It is not yet clear who the Seagulls will ultimately settle on, but it would not come as a surprise if Potter were to make a return to the club, though few would have anticipated it just a few weeks ago.