Manchester City legend emerges as Roberto De Zerbi ‘successor’ after shock Brighton exit announcement

Manchester City legend and current Burnley head coach Vincent Kompany has emerged as a potential replacement for Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton.

Kompany, who made 360 appearances and captained Manchester City to 12 trophies during an 11-year career at the Etihad Stadium, undertook his first job in management at RSC Anderlecht upon leaving east Manchester in 2019 after completing the domestic quadruple.

The 38-year-old returned to the north west in June 2022 to become manager at Burnley, and guided the Clarets back to the top-flight during his first season at Turf Moor.

Burnley and Kompany will return to the Sky Bet Championship next season however, after being relegated from the Premier League prior to the final day of the season on Sunday, when Burnley host Nottingham Forest.

The former Manchester City legend has previously outlined plans to remain at Turf Moor next season, but could potentially be set to continue management in the top-flight, after emerging as a potential replacement for Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton.

The Italian coach surprisingly announced plans to leave the AMEX Stadium after two years on Saturday afternoon, with the Seagulls’ clash against Manchester United this weekend set to conclude the manager’s time on the south coast.

Former Sky Blues skipper Kompany is reportedly amongst the contenders to replace De Zerbi at Brighton, with Sacha Tavolieri claiming the Belgian, Kieran McKenna and Russel Martin are all viewed as possible ‘successors’ by AMEX officials.

The outgoing De Zerbi has himself been previously linked as a potential future manager at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in 2025 and yet to hold contract extension talks.

De Zerbi’s next management role is currently unknown, although the 44-year-old could replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.