Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed manager Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Manchester United.
The Italian was impressed with his work on the south coast and, after replacing Graham Potter, led the Seagulls to the Europa League with their highest ever top-flight results and was linked with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Brighton have reportedly been increasingly convinced that De Zerbi will stay at the end of the season, with the 44-year-old dismissing remarks of withdrawal ahead of the match against Manchester United at the AMEX Stadium. However, the club have now revealed that Sunday's game will be De Zerbi's last in charge.
De Zerbi said on the club's website: 'I am sad to leave Brighton, but I am proud of what my players and staff have achieved over the past two historic seasons with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans.
"We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that works best for each of us, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values." I've had an intense and challenging two years in the Premier League, especially playing in four major games this season. Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans. ”
Chairman Tony Bloom added: "Roberto has given us two great seasons and he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European season that will forever remain in the memory of Albion fans. "We both agreed to terminate Roberto's contract at a time that suits both parties, which gives us the opportunity to plan early for next season and give Roberto plenty of time to think about his next move and his future." Shortly after the news broke, Bild's Christian Falk confirmed that De Zerbi was Bayern boss Max Eber's main target to succeed Thomas Tuchel.