Roberto De Zerbi is aware of the possibility that several of Brighton’s most promising players may not be a part of his Seagulls squad when they compete in Europe for the very first time during the next campaign.
With their 3-1 victory against Southampton on Sunday in the Premier League, Albion ensured themselves a spot in the Europa Conference League at the very least. Sixth place and qualification for the Europa League are also virtually certain at this point.
Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo are among the names that have been connected with summer moves; however, the fates of many other guys who have helped establish history at the Amex are less certain.
De Zerbi stated that at this point, it is necessary for us to organize and construct a new team. The new season requires that we make preparations. We have to wrap up everything before the deadline, which is OK, but after that, we have to organize and form a new team.
My opinion is that we do not require an excessive number of players; yet, we are required to participate in the Europa League. We have no choice but to play in the Premier League, despite the fact that it will undoubtedly be more difficult for us.
“I believe that we will lose some major players, but do you agree that it’s the correct move? Because they have proven themselves worthy of playing for other aims in another team, but we need to be prepared to bring in other major players in accordance with the club’s policy.
“We have to arrive ready to compete in all four of the upcoming competitions.”
Mac Allister, who won the World Cup and signed a contract with Albion in January 2019 for four and a half years, is said to have already reached an agreement in principle to go to Liverpool, according to some publications.
In spite of this, Brighton CEO Paul Barber was quick to deny the veracity of those rumors, telling talkSPORT, “If I lost sleep over every report that I read about one of our players doing that, then I wouldn’t be sleeping very much at all.”
“At the present time, he is concentrating on doing the best that he can for us in the two games that remain in the season. We have a huge match against Manchester City here on Wednesday, and then we round up what has been a tremendous season for us by traveling to Villa Park on Sunday. Both of these games are significant for us.
I noticed that he was smiling broadly when he was out on the field, and it goes without saying that we would be thrilled to have him back here for the upcoming campaign.
“We are aware that there are going to be a lot of teams, not just in this nation but also in Europe and throughout the world, that are going to be wanting Alexis to play for them. These clubs might be in the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world.
However, he is now sporting a shirt with blue and white horizontal stripes, which makes me quite happy.
The manager of Southampton, Ruben Selles, was also thinking ahead to the future of his club, although it is unknown what will happen to him once the current season comes to a close.
The contract for Selles is also set to expire at the end of the current season, and it is believed that Swansea manager Russell Martin will replace him.
Academy prospects Kamari Doyle and Dom Ballard were given their first opportunities to play in the Premier League by the Spaniard during the Saints’ last Premier League match, with just the match against Liverpool at St. Mary’s Stadium remaining.
He stated, “I’m looking ahead to what I can achieve regardless of whether or not I’m here. Because of this, I am able to provide our youngsters who are coming up through the academy with opportunities to play for the first team.
“I can get players that are ready to go and perform for the first team, and even if it’s just some minutes today or against Liverpool, that is a big step for their careers, and they just keep the door open for them,” I can say. “I can get players that are ready to go and perform for the first team.”