Brighton have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a four-year contract.

he 43-year-old former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk boss agreed ultimate contractual phrases – topic to work allow – late on Sunday afternoon on a deal to succeed Graham Potter, who departed for Chelsea earlier this month.

De Zerbi met with membership proprietor Tony Bloom, chief government Paul Barber and technical director David Weir in London earlier this week and flew into Sussex on Friday night time earlier than watching a behind-closed-doors pleasant on the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As a mark of respect to the Queen, De Zerbi won’t be formally launched to the media till Tuesday afternoon.

Bloom mentioned: “I’m completely thrilled Roberto has agreed to turn out to be our new head coach. Roberto’s groups play an thrilling and brave model of soccer, and I’m assured his type and tactical strategy will swimsuit our present squad beautifully.”

Weir mentioned: “Roberto has proven his undoubted capability together with his work in Italy and Ukraine, and what he achieved at Sassuolo definitely stands out.

“In his brief spell with Shakhtar he loved additional success, main the membership to cup success and topping the Ukrainian league earlier than the conflict introduced an abrupt halt to his time there.

“We’re delighted to welcome Roberto and we look ahead to introducing him to our squad in addition to offering all of the help he must introduce his teaching philosophy and assist the gamers proceed their good begin to the season.”

Barber, who can be deputy chairman, mentioned: “We checked out a variety of wonderful candidates however Roberto was our primary selection from the beginning and the one individual we spoke to.

“It’s no secret our chairman is continually monitoring potential coaches, each right here in our home leagues, all through Europe and internationally as a part of our succession planning work.

“We really feel Roberto is the perfect cultural and technical match for Brighton & Hove Albion, and the appropriate individual to proceed the membership’s progress and work with this excellent group of gamers.”