Liverpool's next manager? Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi says he has no plans to sign new contract amid talk of replacing Jurgen Klopp

Posted Sunday, March 31, 2024 by Goal.com

Liverpool target Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he has no plans to sign a new contract at Brighton amid talk he could replace Jurgen Klopp.

De Zerbi refuses to commit future to Brighton
Wants more clarity on the Seagulls project
Tipped to take charge at Anfield

WHAT HAPPENED?

Amid speculation linking him to both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, De Zerbi's future at Brighton hangs in the balance, with talks with club owner Tony Bloom set to determine his next move. De Zerbi's impressive tenure at Brighton, which has seen the club qualify for European football for the first time, has attracted attention from top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea and Barcelona.

WHAT DE ZERBI SAID

In response to questions about his future, De Zerbi emphasized the importance of aligning with the club's vision and targets.

"I have a different way to decide my future," he told Sky Sports. "I want to speak with my club, I have a contract but the problem is not the contract - the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future. For me, I have not decided yet what is my future, because I have the contract, but anyway I want to speak with (owner) Tony (Bloom), my club, to understand their plan, to understand his plan, the Tony plan. Then we take the decision together, without problems.

"The future I want to keep my ambition, my motivation, I live for football 24 hours a day, I want to know what is the plan, what is the project, what is the future because if I don't feel comfortable, I don't feel the right motivation, I can't stay any longer."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

When De Zerbi was further pressed about whether he is considering signing an extension with the Seagulls, he replied: "At the moment, no. We didn't find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future. It's important for me, it's important for everyone but it's a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club.

"My relationship with my players, my fans, I think it can't change depending on the future. What we did is history and we can't forget it."

DID YOU KNOW?

It has been reported that Brighton could demand at least £12 million (€14m/$15m) from any potential suitor for De Zerbi as he has a contract with the club until 2026. It is worth noting that Brighton previously pocketed £21.5m (€25.1/$27.1m) in compensation from Chelsea for the transfer of former manager Graham Potter.

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL AND DE ZERBI

De Zerbi will lead his troops at Anfield next against Liverpool on Sunday in what is being viewed as a potential audition for the Italian to succeed Klopp.