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9 months ago
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Deco and Joan Laporta have made it clear that Barcelona are in no hurry to make their new managerial appointment.
After all, Xavi is at the helm as it stands and the club’s final decision will depend on the team’s performance at the end of the season and the financial situation.
As the Catalans prolong their courtship period with various managers, however, the list of targets is growing smaller.
According to reports from SPORT, top target Roberto De Zerbi is also new growing increasingly complicated as an option.
The competition from England
As revealed by the outlet, De Zerbi is currently the manager that generates maximum consensus on the board. He is seen as the ideal replacement given his experience in multiple leagues, ability to manage young talents, and work with constrained finances.
However, his arrival in Catalonia is complicated for the following reasons.
For starters, the Italian tactician has a contract with Brighton and Hove Albion until the summer of 2026.
Liverpool also want De Zerbi. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)The Italian’s release clause stands at €15 million which Brighton will not budge on, and Barcelona do not intend to pay the same due to their financial situation and the pressure it will pile on the manager.
Concurrently, Liverpool have received news of Xabi Alonso’s unavailability, forcing them to turn to De Zerbi. The Merseyside giants are willing to shell out the €15 million release clause, complicating his move to Barcelona.
Decision needed soon
Barcelona are aware that De Zerbi is keen on coaching the Catalan side. However, the Brighton manager wishes for confirmation that he is the chosen one before he rejects offers from elsewhere, and understandably so.
The pressure, thus, is on Joan Laporta and Deco to reach a final decision on the new manager. SPORT adds that the upcoming international break will be pivotal as Deco plans to meet the short-listed candidates, but it is clear that De Zerbi gets distant with every passing day.
