Brighton set to make Premier League history as they consider little-known 31-year-old to replace Roberto De Zerbi
BRIGHTON are considering making Fabian Hurzeler the youngest ever Premier League manager.
The Seagulls are in talks with the St. Pauli boss, 31, who has never managed in a top tier but led the club to promotion last season by winning the Bundesliga 2.
ReutersBrighton-linked Fabian Hurzeler took St. Pauli to the German second-flight title[/caption]
GettyMalmo chief Henrik Rydstrom is on the shortlist with Hurzeler[/caption]
Hurzeler, who has worked with Germany’s youth teams as a coach, is on the final shortlist alongside Malmo manager Henrik Rydstrom to replace Roberto De Zerbi.
Should the St. Pauli man get the job, he would become the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.
Attilio Lombardo holds the current record having taken charge at 32, while Ryan Mason held a caretaker role for Tottenham at 28.
Contact had been made with Graham Potter to explore a potential return to The Amex but that is seen as unlikely.
Kieran McKenna was the first choice to replace De Zerbi in Sussex, but the Ipswich boss agreed a new deal at Portman Road following interest from Chelsea and Manchester United as well as the Seagulls.
Hurzeler joined St Pauli as an assistant in December 2022 but was quickly made interim and then permanent head coach having steered them away from relegation to the third tier.
The former Bayern Munich academy player was born in Houston, Texas though his father is Swiss and mother German.
While Hurzeler is the leading candidate to replace De Zerbi, who left after two years on the south coast, there are concerns over whether he meets the criteria for a work permit.
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Hurzeler was appointed St. Pauli assistant in 2022 and boss two years laterGetty
There are similar concerns over the Malmo boss, Rydstrom – though his appointment would excite at least one Brighton player.
Yasin Ayari, the Seagulls midfielder, told Aftonbladet when asked about Rydstrom: “Honestly? Is it just a rumour? How sick!
“He is a great coach who likes to play good football. The rumour can’t be completely stupid, because Brighton look at data and stats. He has very good statistics in Allsvenskan.”
Brighton are also ready to revive their interest in Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The Seagulls made an attempt to land the Foxes star in January but were put off by the £30million asking price.
Having won promotion, that price is expected to have gone up. However, Leicester’s delicate financial position means they could have to sell.
A move for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville is also being explored.
