Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton on Sunday as club releases surprise statement

Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton after their final Premier League game of the season on Sunday.

The Italian coach has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Seagulls after two years at the club.

Guided Zerbi Brighton to an impressive sixth place in his first campaign, winning admirers for his attractive style of play.

The Seagulls qualified for the Europa League but were eliminated in the round of 16 before a disappointing run of one win in nine games left them tenth ahead of this season's final round of matches.

talkSPORT understands De Zerbi will leave without pay or gardening leave.

In a surprise statement from the club, the manager said: “I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our incredible fans over the last two historical years”. seasons.

“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue working in the way that best suits each of us, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

“I have really enjoyed two intense and challenging years working in the Premier League, as well as competing in four major competitions this season. “Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding my future plans.”

From Zerbi it has been linked with several of the best European clubsincluding AC Milan and Bayern Munich, but is yet to confirm his next move.

It also remains to be seen who will replace the former midfielder in the South Coast dugout, with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany linked.

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Brighton face manchester united at the Amex Stadium in their final game of the 2023/24 campaign on Sunday.

The highly-rated 44-year-old was under contract with the Seagulls until 2026.

Chairman Tony Bloom added: “Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has taken the club to new heights, including our first European campaign which will live long in the memories of Albion fans.

“We have mutually agreed to terminate Roberto's contract at a time that suits both parties, allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and giving Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and future.

“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and well-deserved farewell at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow's game.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work over the past two seasons. “All of them leave our club on good terms and with our best wishes for the future.”