Fabian Hurzeler has finally been confirmed as Brighton’s new manager to replace Roberto De Zerbi.
The 31-year-old has become the youngest Premier League boss in history, and arrives having guided St Pauli to Bundesliga promotion last season.
talkSPORT have reported how the American-born German coach had been identified as the Seagulls’ top target, who had held talks with Graham Potter about a return to the Amex Stadium.
After earning rave reviews in Germany, Hurzeler will be keen to get to work in the south coast, which he will as soon as his work permit is processed.
Speaking after signing a three-year deal, he told the club’s website: “I am absolutely thrilled to be the new head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion.
“After speaking to Tony, Paul and David, it was clear that they are highly ambitious.
“The club has a unique history and bold vision for the future, so I am truly excited to be part of the project.
“The club has made incredible progress over the last few seasons and the aim is to continue building on that success.
“I am relishing the opportunity to coach in the Premier League, and I can’t wait to meet the players, staff and, of course, the fans.”
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom added: “From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Fabian was always a standout candidate and one who had caught our attention with his exceptional work at St Pauli over the past eighteen months.
“He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton & Hove Albion team to play, and I’m confident it is one our supporters will appreciate and enjoy.
“Fabian also has an excellent coaching pedigree and has worked with the German federation at various age group levels.
“We are really excited to start working with Fabian to prepare for the upcoming season.”
Meanwhile technical director David Weir remarked: “We will work closely with Fabian to help him settle in, and to get to know the club, staff and the area.
“Fabian already has an excellent knowledge of our squad and players, and we will be working to strengthen an already very strong squad during the transfer window.
“We will confirm all of Fabian’s immediate backroom staff in due course, although Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern will be part of that coaching group, as first-team coach and goalkeeping coach respectively.”
Hurzeler will officially be unveiled to the media at a press conference on July 2 at Brighton’s American Express Elite Football Performance Centre training facility.
Likened to Julian Nagelsmann, Hurzeler has previously worked as the assistant manager for Germany’s Under-18 and Under-20 sides.
After four years at German amateur side FC Pipinsried, Hurzeler became St Pauli’s assistant in 2020, before taking over in December 2022 following Timo Schultz’s dismissal.
He took charge with the club in danger of relegation to the German third-tier, before guiding them to a fifth-placed finish after winning his opening ten matches.
And he capped a remarkable 18 months by masterminding St Pauli’s return to the top-flight after a 13-year absence having won the Bundesliga. 2 title in the 2023/24 campaign.
News Summary:
- Brighton announce Fabian Hurzeler as new boss on three-year deal to create Premier League history
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