Barcelona are poised to complicate Liverpool's pursuit of a long-term replacement for Jurgen Klopp by selecting Premier League side Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager.
Liverpool, facing Klopp's departure at the end of the season, are actively seeking a successor. Similarly, Barcelona find themselves in a comparable situation with Xavi's announcement of his departure ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Both clubs have now shown interest in the same candidate. According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona have earmarked Brighton’s De Zerbi as their top choice, a move that follows previous links to Liverpool.
The report indicated that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are keen on the Italian manager and have initiated discussions to entice him to Camp Nou. However, there may be a hurdle to overcome.
De Zerbi's contract with Brighton includes a €10m (£8.5m) release clause, which could pose a challenge for financially strapped Barcelona but might be within Liverpool's means.
Although De Zerbi's current deal at the Amex Stadium runs for another 18 months, he has expressed no intention of leaving at present.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian said: “When I hear the big teams are interested in me, it’s an honour, but my focus is on my work day by day. About the future?
“I want to compete in the best way I can, I want to understand the plan and then it’s not a problem to work at a big team. I would like in my career to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, the, Bundesliga, Champions League - but there isn’t a time when have to go.”
However, he suggested that he is more open to moving to Serie A, his country's league.
“I love my country, I love Italy, I love Italian football. I don’t know, for sure one of my targets is to go back to working in my country but I don’t know when the time will be," he said.
“I feel very happy in the Premier League, and I have to say thanks to Brighton, the league, all the coaches and people. Living in the UK, the problem is not where you work but how you work, not the place.”
Since taking over from Graham Potter, De Zerbi has made a significant impact at Brighton. He guided the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish last season, securing the club's inaugural European berth.
This season, Brighton continues to perform well under De Zerbi's leadership, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League and advancing to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
