Barcelona has identified Roberto De Zerbi, the current manager of Brighton, as the top candidate to assume the role of head coach at the club, as reported recently. Despite being under contract with Brighton until 2026, De Zerbi’s impressive managerial performance has attracted attention from various European clubs.

Barcelona is in the process of searching for a new manager to replace Xavi, who is set to leave in the summer after three years at the helm. According to Diario Sport, club president Joan Laporta has requested a profile assessment of the 44-year-old De Zerbi as part of the strategy to find Xavi’s successor.

Reportedly, Laporta is drawn to De Zerbi’s handling of players, along with his personal demeanor. The manager’s agents have reportedly been in Barcelona recently. Laporta, collaborating with director of football Deco, is actively involved in the managerial hiring process, aiming to kickstart the transition to ensure the new coach has a complete pre-season with the squad.

De Zerbi led Brighton to their first European qualification last season and seems poised to achieve a similar feat this term. Despite his contract extending until 2026, Brighton is reportedly making contingency plans in case the manager departs in the summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United also expressing admiration for his coaching style.

Brighton’s effective recruitment and talent identification strategies are highly regarded in European football, limiting the coach’s influence in these areas. The club’s successful program is unlikely to change to accommodate the preferences of any given coach.

Brighton’s upcoming Premier League matches include a visit to Sheffield United on Sunday, followed by a home game against Everton at the AmEx Stadium six days later.