AC Milan have again been mentioned as a possible destination for Roberto De Zerbi, but a number of clubs are admirers of his work too.
Calciomercato.com have provided an update on De Zerbi starting by citing Bild in Germany, who claim that in recent weeks there have been direct contacts between Bayern Munich – who will need to replace the departing Thomas Tuchel – and the Brighton boss.
The Italian of the names held most in the highest esteem together with that of Xabi Alonso, who is contract to Bayer Leverkusen until June 2026 and remains the top option but is also being courted by Liverpool.
On the De Zerbi front, the last official position taken by the manager concerned was at the beginning of March, on the eve of the round of 16 match of the Europa League against Roma.
“It’s not true that I’m thinking about Italy, it’s my country but I do what I like and what makes me happy is staying at Brighton,” he said.
“I’m lucky enough to have a team that allows me to play these competitions, it gives me satisfaction but even when we lose I find good things from the players I coach. Later, I don’t know when, I will return to Italy but there is no pre-established reason.”
It was a response resulting from speculation in recent months on De Zerbi’s candidacy from a Milan perspective in the event that the Rossoneri decide to sack Stefano Pioli a year before the natural expiry of the contract.
De Zerbi has never hidden his deep bond with Milan given that he came through the youth sector there, but at the same time he has a feeling of profound gratitude for Brighton, to whom he is contracted until 2026 with a €15m release clause valid.
The ex-Sassuolo boss has led the Seagulls into a European competition for the first time but he is willing to change clubs if the right one comes along, which Bayern Munich obviously would be.
The idea of coaching a top Premier League side appeals to De Zerbi too, such as Liverpool who are preparing for the post-Klopp era, Chelsea who are seriously evaluating the position of Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United who haven’t decided on Erik ten Hag yet.
