Roberto de Zerbi to leave Brighton after Man Utd game as Italian becomes European giant's 'first choice'

Roberto de Zerbi will leave Brighton after tomorrow's game with Manchester United, the club have announced.

De Zerbi's future has been the subject of speculation for months, and have Brighton now announced that the manager will leave on Sunday after the club's final game of the season against United.

The 44-year-old joined Brighton in September 2022 and led the club to their highest top flight finish and the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom, said: “Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans.

“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.

“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future.”

Meanwhile, De Zerbi told the club website: “I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons.

De Zerbi has been linked with the Bayern Munich job (Getty)

“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

“I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.”

Upon Brighton announcing the news, BILD reporter Christian Falk claimed that the Italian was Bayern Munich's no.1 choice to succeed Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.

Falk said: "The road to @FCBayern is free! Roberto De Zerbi is the First Choice of Sport-Director Max Eberl."