Chelsea are seriously considering signing Roberto De Zerbi as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, who is under scrutiny following the team’s recent defeat in the Carabao Cup final. De Zerbi, currently at Brighton, could reunite with Moisés Caicedo at Stamford Bridge if this move goes through. Given that the Ecuadorian player flourished under the Italian coach’s guidance at Brighton.
Although De Zerbi has a contract at Brighton until 2026, Chelsea could try to secure his services by offering him a contract upgrade. However, his release clause could be around €15 million, a precaution taken by Brighton following Graham Potter’s sudden departure to Chelsea in 2022, an experience that still hurts the club’s fans.
De Zerbi, the coach that all of Europe loves
At 44, De Zerbi is keen to prove himself at an elite club and his performance in the Premier League for Brighton is encouraging. Furthermore, their preference for using South American players is in keeping with the club’s philosophy, whose squad features several talents from the continent.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also eyeing De Zerbi as a possible successor to Xavi Hernández, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season. Given this interest, Brighton have started to take steps to extend De Zerbi’s contract and keep him at the club, although the culés know that the Italian’s contract situation could complicate negotiations.
Despite the complications, Barcelona appreciate De Zerbi’s style of play, which is consistent with that of his previous teams in Italy and Shakhtar Donetsk, where he demonstrated his dominance in the league. With an impressive record at Brighton, De Zerbi has established an attacking and leading playing identity in a modest team, with positive results and a young and talented base.