Brighton players fear highly-rated boss Roberto de Zerbi could leave this summer and here's why

Topics: Roberto de Zerbi, Brighton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, English Premier League

The Italian boss, who has established himself as one of the most exciting tacticians in the game since arriving at the Amex, could depart at the end of the season.

Roberto de Zerbi is establishing himself as one of the most exciting tacticians in the game following his move to Brighton. The Italian head coach, who arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk to replace Graham Potter, has done tremendously at the Amex Stadium and is garnering rave reviews in England and abroad.

While the Seagulls are eighth in the table, the club are competing for European football and stand a great chance of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League, which would be a tremendous achievement for a club fighting relegation just over two seasons ago.

However, the club have gone from fighting relegation to fending off interest in their head coach as De Zerbi is garnering suitors from some of Europe's biggest clubs. The Italian was linked with the Tottenham job following Antonio Conte's departure and while he isn't set to move to North London, the Amex Stadium players are still fearing his exit.

This is according to the Telegraph, with the English news outlet reporting that the 43-year-old tactician could return to his home country of Italy. De Zerbi, who rose to prominence during his spell at Sassuolo, is heavily being linked with a move to Inter Milan.

As a result, his departure is seen as a possible outcome, which will come as a huge blow to the Seagulls. Never before have they qualified for Europe and to lose their head coach now would be disappointing.

Mitoma and Co. are currently in eighth but a win on Thursday would see them leapfrog Tottenham into sixth. Brighton will face Manchester United, who they lost to in the FA Cup semifinal, meaning a victory won't be easy. Nonetheless, the home side should fancy their odds of pulling off the double over the Red Devils, having won 2-1 at Old Trafford at the start of the season.

One aspect that could play a huge role in De Zerbi's future is the Mac Allister and Caicedo situation. The two midfield sensations are being linked with an exit this summer and losing both men might frustrate the boss.

However, as pointed out by the Telegraph, De Zerbi wishes to play a pivotal role in the club's transfer decisions, and with the club in line to earn over $100M should the Argentine and Ecuadorian leave, handing the Italian coach a transfer war chest might just convince him to stay on board a little longer.