Potential Klopp successor refusing to sign new contract at current club amidst Liverpool interest

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp (Credit: Imago)

Potential Klopp successor refusing to sign new contract at current club amidst Liverpool interest

Ayoola Kelechi 22:44 - 30.03.2024

Liverpool's interest could be responsible for the Premier League manager refusing to sign a new contract with his current team

Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, has found himself at the centre of speculation amid rumours linking him to a potential role at Liverpool, but recent developments suggest a twist in the tale as he refuses to commit to a new contract with his current club. Here's what we know so far:

De Zerbi emerges as Liverpool target

Roberto De Zerbi's name has been circulating in football circles as a potential candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. With Klopp's future at Anfield uncertain, De Zerbi has emerged as a frontrunner for the prestigious position, thanks to his impressive tenure at Brighton.

Jurgen Klopp and Roberto de Zerbi in Brighton vs Liverpool || Image credit: Imago
Jurgen Klopp and Roberto de Zerbi in Brighton vs Liverpool || Image credit: Imago

Despite the allure of a potential move to Liverpool, De Zerbi has made it clear that he has no intentions of signing a new contract with Brighton. The manager's refusal to commit to an extension raises questions about his future at the club and adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his possible departure.

Uncertain future for De Zerbi

In his response to questions about his future, De Zerbi emphasized the importance of aligning with the club's vision and targets. He highlighted the need for clarity on the club's plans and projects moving forward, indicating that his decision will be influenced by whether he shares the same vision as the club's owner, Tony Bloom.

De Zerbi told Sky Sports, "I have a different way to decide my future. I want to speak with my club, I have a contract but the problem is not the contract - the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future. For me, I have not decided yet what is my future, because I have the contract, but anyway I want to speak with (owner) Tony (Bloom), my club, to understand their plan, to understand his plan, the Tony plan. Then we take the decision together, without problems."

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi || Credit: Imago
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi || Credit: Imago

While De Zerbi's contract with Brighton runs until 2026, the lack of agreement on a new deal has left his future at the club hanging in the balance. The manager's insistence on understanding the club's plan for the future before making a decision reflects his commitment to his career and ambitions within football.

De Zerbi further commented, "At the moment, no. We didn't find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future. It's important for me, it's important for everyone but it's a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club."

Potential transfer fee for De Zerbi

Reports suggest that Brighton could demand a significant transfer fee for De Zerbi, with figures reaching at least £12 million. This underscores the value the club places on their manager and further complicates any potential move to Liverpool or other interested parties.

As speculation continues to swirl around Roberto De Zerbi's future, the manager's refusal to sign a new contract at Brighton adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga. With Liverpool reportedly eyeing him as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp, De Zerbi's decision will have ripple effects across the footballing world. As negotiations with Brighton progress, all eyes will be on whether De Zerbi decides to stay or seek greener pastures elsewhere.

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