Barcelona have reportedly identified Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as their leading candidate to replace outgoing Xavi Hernandez.
De Zerbi's contract with the Seagulls runs until 2026, however, his impressive managerial display with the English club has attracted the interest of the Catalan giants.
According to reports from Diario Sports, the president of the Blaugrana club, Joan Laporta, has apparently requested a profile on the 44-year-old man.
Laporta is reportedly keen on appointing Roberto De Zerbi, due to his man management skills, alongside the Italian's demeanor.
It is understood that Brighton are already making contingency plans in case their manager does leave in the summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United also said to be interested in his services.
Xavi Hernandez confirmed in January 2024 that he will exit Barcelona, as he feels he can't change the fortunes of the club.
Roberto De Zerbi was appointed manager of Brighton on September 18, 2022, replacing Graham Potter, who left the Seagulls to join Chelsea in September 2022.
He has handled 72 matches as manager of the English south coast club, winning 34 matches, drawing 16, and losing 22.
De Zerbi guided Brighton to European football for the first time in the club's history, following their exploits in the 2022/23 season.
Roberto De Zerbi has managed several clubs in his career, including; Shakhtar Donetsk, Sassuolo, Benevento, and Palermo.
The 44-year-old loves to play to the strength of his players, as they display a swashbuckling brand of football.
De Zerbi has also won some trophies in his managerial career, including; 2 Romanian top-flight league titles, 1 Romanian Cup, and 1 Ukrainian Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi will have to deal with much if he becomes manager of the club, as he will have to work with a slim budget and he will need to translate his philosophy to the side.
Barcelona are defending champions of the La Liga, but their domineering display has dwindled in recent years.
They have had a poor season this campaign, as they sit 3rd on the Spanish top-flight league table, with 54 points from 25 league matches.
The Catalan-based club return to action on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, facing Napoli, in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League affair.
For Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls, they sit 9th on the Premier League table, with 35 points from 24 league matches.
They return to action on February 18, 2024, visiting Sheffield United, in a Matchday 25 Premier League encounter.
De Zerbi will be looking to end the season on a high, given the possibility that he could be coaching a bigger club in the coming season.
As aforementioned, Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in getting his signature, with the Italian being amongst the candidates shortlisted to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will be exiting Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season.
De Zerbi's contract with the Seagulls runs until 2026, however, his impressive managerial display with the English club has attracted the interest of the Catalan giants.
According to reports from Diario Sports, the president of the Blaugrana club, Joan Laporta, has apparently requested a profile on the 44-year-old man.
Laporta is reportedly keen on appointing Roberto De Zerbi, due to his man management skills, alongside the Italian's demeanor.
It is understood that Brighton are already making contingency plans in case their manager does leave in the summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United also said to be interested in his services.
Xavi Hernandez confirmed in January 2024 that he will exit Barcelona, as he feels he can't change the fortunes of the club.
Roberto De Zerbi was appointed manager of Brighton on September 18, 2022, replacing Graham Potter, who left the Seagulls to join Chelsea in September 2022.
He has handled 72 matches as manager of the English south coast club, winning 34 matches, drawing 16, and losing 22.
De Zerbi guided Brighton to European football for the first time in the club's history, following their exploits in the 2022/23 season.
Roberto De Zerbi has managed several clubs in his career, including; Shakhtar Donetsk, Sassuolo, Benevento, and Palermo.
The 44-year-old loves to play to the strength of his players, as they display a swashbuckling brand of football.
De Zerbi has also won some trophies in his managerial career, including; 2 Romanian top-flight league titles, 1 Romanian Cup, and 1 Ukrainian Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi will have to deal with much if he becomes manager of the club, as he will have to work with a slim budget and he will need to translate his philosophy to the side.
Barcelona are defending champions of the La Liga, but their domineering display has dwindled in recent years.
They have had a poor season this campaign, as they sit 3rd on the Spanish top-flight league table, with 54 points from 25 league matches.
The Catalan-based club return to action on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, facing Napoli, in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League affair.
For Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls, they sit 9th on the Premier League table, with 35 points from 24 league matches.
They return to action on February 18, 2024, visiting Sheffield United, in a Matchday 25 Premier League encounter.
De Zerbi will be looking to end the season on a high, given the possibility that he could be coaching a bigger club in the coming season.
As aforementioned, Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in getting his signature, with the Italian being amongst the candidates shortlisted to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will be exiting Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season.