The Director Sporting Deco has a huge task on his hands to appoint the successor of Xavi Hernandez, who announced last month that he will resign as the head coach of Barcelona at the end of the season.
Several names have already been linked with the position, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick. However, recent reports have suggested that Brighton Manager Roberto De Zerbi is Barcelona's preferred candidate, with Deco and Joan Laporta impressed by the Italian's credentials.
Brighton have no intention of letting De Zerbi leave this summer, and according to talkSPORT (via MD), have notified the 44th year of their intention to open contract negotiations.
De Zerbi's current deal, which expires in 2026, is reported to have a release clause worth €15 million. Barcelona They are said to be willing to enable this, although they cannot afford to do so due to their financial problems. His chances diminish further if De Zerbi agrees to a new contract at Brighton.
