Brighton close to new Fabian Hurzeler contract | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion are close to agreeing a new contract with head coach Fabian Hurzeler, whose current deal runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in March that Bayer Leverkusen were monitoring his situation, and at that point there had been no sign of a fresh agreement at the Amex.

Hurzeler joined from St Pauli in summer 2024, becoming the Premier League’s youngest permanent head coach at 31. He guided Brighton to eighth in his first season and they are eighth again with three games left, pushing for Europe. Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle United ended a five-match unbeaten league run.

Sections of the fanbase criticised a mid-season slump, with one win in 13 leaving them 14th in February. An upturn since has revived their hopes.

Before Brighton, Hurzeler led St Pauli to Bundesliga promotion, then succeeded Roberto De Zerbi. His Brighton favour controlled build-up to draw opponents forward, yet he has been more pragmatic than his predecessor, adjusting to rivals and playing forward quicker once pressure is broken. Out of possession they press adventurously, though turnovers have not consistently become goals.

Source: NY Times