Roberto De Zerbi hopes European football will keep Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister at Brighton
Obert De Zerbi hopes Brighton getting European football for next season will help them retain their first-team stars this summer.
Victory over Southampton on Sunday ensured the Seagulls will be involved in European competition for the first time, and they need just one point from their last two Premier League games to confirm it will be in the Europa League.
Brighton sold Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Neal Maupay before this season, while Leandro Trossard moved to Arsenal mid-season, and it will likely be another transfer window this summer where many of the club’s players are in high demand. .
Arsenal remain interested in Moises Caicedo, whom they attempted to sign in January, and Alexis Mac Allister has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, as they seek to revamp their midfield following a disappointing season.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with new champions Manchester City, the Brighton boss admitted he couldn’t guarantee the players would stay at the club but believes being able to offer European football is a significant advantage .
“We can offer Moises and Alexis the opportunity to play in Europe,” the Brighton boss told reporters.
“Our level is higher now. They are very good guys and that will help. I think for me and the club but also for the players – they have a life and we can’t decide for them.”
Levi Colwill, on loan from Chelsea, has impressed at Brighton this season, with De Zerbi speaking regularly about the 20-year-old and saying he wants to work with him for “two, three, four more years”.
New Blues manager Mauricio Pochettini is set to make a decision on Colwill’s future at Stamford Bridge, with Brighton keen to extend his stay if the opportunity arises.
“I hope Levi can play with us next year, but it’s Chelsea’s decision,” said De Zerbi.
“We have to be ready to change some players, but he’s a top player for us.”
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