Barcelona identify No.1 target to replace Xavi in potential blow to Liverpool
Barcelona are set to meddle with Liverpool's search for a long-term Jurgen Klopp replacement after settling on Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager.
The Reds are on the hunt for a new boss with Klopp departing at the end of the season. The Catalan giants are in an almost identical position after Xavi’s announcement that he will depart ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Now, it appears both sides are interested in the same man. According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona have identified Brighton’s De Zerbi as their prime candidate - that coming after Liverpool have been linked with a move. It is reported that both Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are interested in the Italian and have already launched talks in an effort to tempt him to the Camp Nou. There could however be one obstacle.
De Zerbi has a €10m (£8.5m) release clause written into his Brighton contract - something that might be difficult for cash-strapped Barcelona to afford. That fee could potentially be easier for Liverpool to stump up.
De Zerbi’s current deal at the Amex Stadium is set to run for another 18 months. He has already spoken out on his future and insists that he is currently not eyeing an exit. Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi said: “When I hear the big teams are interested in me, it’s an honor, but my focus is on my work day by day. About the future?
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“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 did suggest that he is potentially prioritising a move back to Serie A. The 44-year-old added: “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.
“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.”
De Zerbi has impressed hugely since being appointed by Brighton as Graham Potter’s replacement. He led the Seagulls to sixth last season, and with it the club’s first-ever place in Europe.
De Zerbi has managed to build on that once again this term. Brighton are currently ninth in the Premier League and have reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
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