- Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi should prepare for a busy summer transfer window
- The club should build on a competitive squad as they will be participating in the Europa League next season
- De Zerbi could add a number of players to his squad to build on a competitive squad depth
Roberto De Zerbi is preparing himself for a demanding summer transfer window ahead at Brighton, who will be participating in the Europa League for the first time in their history, aiming to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Alongside their Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup commitments, the Seagulls will embark on their European journey next season.
Despite operating with a relatively small player pool, especially during a congested run-in, Brighton secured a record-breaking sixth-place finish ahead of their final match against Aston Villa. De Zerbi, the head coach, believes that the club does not necessarily need a large influx of new signings to be ready for their upcoming European adventure. However, he is determined to strengthen the squad with depth and quality, particularly if in-demand players Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are sold.
De Zerbi expressed his anticipation for the start of the next pre-season, highlighting that the upcoming period without football will be difficult for him. He recognizes the need to work during the holiday period in order to construct a new squad for the forthcoming season. While he believes that Brighton doesn’t require numerous new players, he emphasizes the importance of acquiring top-quality replacements if Caicedo and Mac Allister depart, as the upcoming season is expected to be more challenging than the previous one.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is looking ahead at a busy summer transfer window at the Premier League club. | PHOTO: Brighton FC |
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Brighton exceeded all expectations during an extraordinary campaign, securing a top-six finish and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Graham Potter laid the foundation for their success, and De Zerbi continued to elevate the team’s performance following Potter’s departure to Chelsea in September. Regarding the financial backing he will receive in the coming months, the Italian is uncertain and states that the scale of the summer overhaul will depend on the number of departures from the club.
De Zerbi clarifies that his focus is on the characteristics and quality of players rather than financial matters. He acknowledges the necessity of having a stronger and larger squad, considering Brighton’s participation in four competitions. The team needs to be prepared to compete in their unique style across these four competitions, especially since they faced challenges during the crucial stage of the season with a limited number of players. De Zerbi anticipates a tougher season ahead, highlighting that clubs that qualify for the Europa League in one season often find themselves fighting to avoid relegation the following year in the history of the Premier League.
READ: Brighton beat Southampton to book historic European spot
In summary, Roberto De Zerbi is bracing himself for a summer of hard work as Brighton prepares for their first-ever Europa League campaign. While he believes the club doesn’t require a significant number of new signings, he aims to enhance the squad’s depth and quality, particularly if key players are sold. Brighton’s exceptional achievements in the previous season have set high expectations, and De Zerbi acknowledges the need for a stronger and larger squad to compete in four competitions. The extent of their summer overhaul will depend on the number of outgoings, and the financial backing remains uncertain. The upcoming season is anticipated to be more challenging, with the history of the Premier League showing the difficulties faced by clubs transitioning from European competition to battling relegation.
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