Bayern Munich’s search for a new head coach has begun again after Thomas Tuchel rejected the chance to remain at the club.
Tuchel revealed on Friday that talks over a new deal had broken down and that he would be leaving the club – after Bayern initially confirmed in February they would be replacing him.
Bayern had turned to Tuchel after failing to land Xabi Alonso, Julian Nageslmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner.
Bayern believed that keeping Tuchel was their best option but he wanted a fresh deal taking him to 2026 and those talks have broken down.
“This is my last press conference as FC Bayern manager, there were talks, but we didn’t reach an agreement so the decision from February still stands,” Tuchel explained ahead of Bayern’s final game of the season at Hoffenheim.
Bayern looking at Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi
Now with Bayern’s search re-started, and HITC can confirm that one of those under consideration is Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi’s current deal at Brighton runs to 2026 and the club have been looking to renegotiate with the Italian, but as HITC has previously revealed he has kept the Seagulls at ‘arms-length’ whilst he considers his options.
One reason Brighton want to tie De Zerbi down to a new deal is that his current contract contains a release clause that is worth just £12million and Bayern, for instance, would have no qualms about paying it.
Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber insists the club are happy with how things are with De Zerbi, but admits there is nothing they can do if somebody does want him.
“Privately, Roberto is quiet, calm, reasonable and sensible,” Barber explained to the BBC.
“He understands what our limitations are. Behind the scenes, the model is very well known to him.
“He has got two more years to go. My understanding is that he is happy. He likes the club. He likes this group of players a lot. He knows he has a good owner. He knows he has good facilities. He knows it is a club that has a particular model and we won’t break it for anyone. Those are consistent. He also knows he can see me or Tony (owner Tony Bloom) at any time. There are no surprises.
“What we can’t control is a club anywhere in the world coming in and making an approach for him. But we knew that with Graham Potter, and Chris Hughton, who did a great job for us. We are very cognisant of that happening to us but we have a plan for all those eventualities.”
HITC has been told that Bayern have already informed De Zerbi’s camp they would meet his release clause, should they press ahead with interest.
We are told by sources De Zerbi has decided against pushing for the AC Milan job, which is also set to be available, but HITC understands that the chance to join Bayern does appeal to him.
HITC understands that as well as an interest in De Zerbi, Bayern are doing their work on others and that includes former boss Hansi Flick.
Bayern’s talks are ongoing with Flick, but he has also emerged as an option for Barcelona – who are considering whether to consider with Xavi – having only last month confirmed he has decided to make a u-turn on his decision to leave.
Flick was a leading candidate to replace Xavi previously, but the chance looked to have passed him by – but things could be changing in Catalunya.
Barca president Joan Laporta persuaded Xavi to stay last month – but sources confirm Laporta is having second thoughts and could now replace Xavi.
De Zerbi is also someone who Laporta likes and he is also a fan of Tuchel – who is now leaving Bayern. Another head coach that Barca and Bayern could yet show an interest is Max Allegri – whose departure from Juventus is set to be confirmed.
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