Roberto De Zerbi set for new job after Brighton exit with deal 'very close' to being agreed

Roberto De Zerbi is set for a swift return to management after stepping down as Brighton boss at the end of the 2023/24 season.

De Zerbi, 45, departed Brighton after their final game of the season against Manchester United, after reaching a 'mutual agreement' with the Premier League club.

Former Shakhtar Donetsk head coach De Zerbi first joined the Seagulls in September 2022 on a four-year deal.

He guided the team to a sixth-place finish in the 2022/23 campaign, with the club's highest ever top-flight finish securing European qualification for the very first time in their history.

But they found last season a much tougher task, with De Zerbi's squad finishing 11th after a campaign disrupted by injuries to key players.

De Zerbi was linked with several top Premier League clubs after leaving Brighton - including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Liverpool instead opted to appoint Arne Slot as their first ever head coach instead of a manager, while Chelsea hired former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

De Zerbi reportedly held talks with United to replace Erik ten Hag as manager but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly decided to keep faith with the Dutchman for another season.

That decision leaves De Zerbi with limited options to remain in English football.

Rather than waiting for an opportunity in the Premier League to present itself, De Zerbi is set to make an almost immediate return to management abroad.

He is reportedly close to being appointed as the new manager of Marseille.

Italian journalist Michele Criscitiello claims De Zerbi is "very close" to agreeing a deal with the French club.

"Surprise wedding for Roberto De Zerbi: Marseille has accelerated for the former Brighton manager, seeing the experience in Ligue 1 as a further step forward for his career. Very close," he posted on X.

De Zerbi left Brighton at the end of the season (Image: Getty)

Speaking last month after his departure from Brighton, De Zerbi said he was unsure of his next move.

"We didn't find the agreement to move on," he told the BBC of his Brighton exit.

"I want to keep my way. I know very well what I want to do and I know I am a coach and I have to accept the policies of the club.

"They gave me an incredible chance. They give me the possibility to know incredible people, to play and to work in the Premier League, to play in the Europa League.

"They gave me the opportunity to know this club, this city, these fans and for that I cannot forget."