Bayer Leverkusen have Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler firmly in their sights, and they have reportedly discovered that his release clause is unlikely to be out of their reach.
The German boss has endured a rollercoaster of a campaign on the south coast, with sections of the fan base turning on him during a torrid festive period, before ultimately guiding the club back into the European fight in recent weeks.
But even in the heart of Brighton’s poor run, Hurzeler remained very well-regarded in Germany, and suitors are now starting to emerge.
Leverkusen have been heavily linked with a move for the 33-year-old, and they will be encouraged by his stance on leaving the Seagulls this summer.
According to SportBILD, Hurzeler has already signalled that he is ‘open’ to leaving the Amex Stadium outfit at the end of the season due to his desire to coach a team competing on the European stage.
The ex-St. Pauli boss is said to favour a move to a team playing regular Champions League football if he does decide to part ways with the Seagulls.
Hurzeler is approaching the final 12 months of his contract with Brighton, and there has been limited speculation regarding a fresh extension at this stage.
Nevertheless, if suitors are keen to lure the young head coach away from his current position, they will have to activate the release clause in his contract with the Seagulls, which is reportedly less than £13million this summer.
Leverkusen previously forked out around £17m to acquire head coaches last year and may feel that the aforementioned figure for Hurzeler is reasonable, given his age, profile, and their long-standing interest.
Talks between Bayer 04 and Hurzeler are therefore expected to take place soon. However, the Bundesliga outfit’s current form could prove a deterrent for Hurzeler.
Leverkusen are currently in sixth place in the Bundesliga and struggling for form, and thus, it is hard to envision them closing the four-point gap on the top four under manager Kasper Hjulmand at present.
Whether Brighton qualify for Europe is also likely to be a key factor considered by their current boss at the end of the season.
If their move for Leverkusen is unsuccessful this summer, then Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner will reportedly be approached. The Austrian has already announced that he will leave the Eagles this summer, but he is said to favour remaining in the Premier League.