Brighton could appoint youngest manager in Premier League history after holding talks with German club
Brighton have held talks with St. Pauli in their quest to make Fabian Hurzeler the Premier League's youngest manager, talkSPORT understands.
The St. Pauli coach has become the Seagulls' main target to replace Roberto De Zerbi after an exhaustive selection process.
The American-born 31-year-old has earned rave reviews in Germany, which could now see him move to England.
Brighton had spoken to Graham Potter about a possible return, but as talkSPORT previously reported, that is not a likely option.
Potter is believed to be keeping his options open should Gareth Southgate resign. England after the next euros.
The Seagulls were also interested in Kieran McKenna before he signed a new contract at Ipswich.
Hurzeler guided St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga after a 13-year hiatus, having taken over just 18 months ago.
He previously spent four years at German amateur side FC Pipinsried, which presented him with his first coaching opportunity.
Malmo manager Henrik Rydstrom was another believed to be on Brighton's shortlist, having guided the club to the Swedish title last season, but Brighton currently only have their eyes on Hurzeler.
And in a boost for Brighton, Hurzeler has received FA approval for visa purposes, meaning he would be free to fill the vacant role at the Amex Stadium.
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Hurzeler, who was born in Houston, TexasHe has never coached in the top flight, but he will achieve it next season, whether in the Premier League or the Bundesliga.
He took charge of St Pauli in December 2022, when the Hamburg club was above the relegation zone in Bundesliga 2.
His presence had an immediate impact, as St Pauli won their first ten games under Hurzeler's watch, eventually finishing fifth.
The American capped off a sensational 18 months guiding his team to the title with empathy.
Hurzeler has also worked as assistant manager of the German under-18 and under-20 teams.
Due to his success as a young coach in Germany, Hurzeler has been compared to the current head of the national team. Julian Nagelsmann.
However, speaking earlier this year, he said: “It wouldn't be fair to him (to be compared) because he is an incredible coach.
“Of course, I always hear those comparisons with Julian Nagelsmann. But like I said, I must be humble and follow my own path.
“I can't do it the same way because it's Julian Nagelsmann's style, and I try to follow Fabian Hürzeler's style.”
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