Following a falling out with Roberto De Zerbi, the departing Brighton manager, Mauricio Pochettino, signed Ansu Fati last year.
Despite making several high-profile acquisitions, including Moises Caicedo for £100 million and Romeo Lavia for £53 million from Southampton, the former Chelsea manager left Stamford Bridge after only one season.
One potential transfer for Chelsea that did not come to fruition was Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, a talented winger. De Zerbi ended up bringing Fati to Brighton, recognizing him as a top-tier Premier League talent, indicating that Pochettino had different views on the player who could potentially succeed him.
According to The Athletic, Pochettino rejected Chelsea’s offer to sign the 21-year-old Spaniard. Instead, Fati chose to spend the 2023–24 season with Brighton on a temporary basis after leaving Camp Nou.
Fati’s arrival at Brighton was unexpected, given his reputation. The Italian manager, who secured the Spain international for a season, spoke highly of him.
De Zerbi expressed his excitement about Fati, saying, “I’m extremely thrilled; he’s a big player.” He added, “We needed a key player after losing Enciso. We are fortunate to have many young players with the potential to become elite and take on additional responsibilities.”
He continued, “We cannot afford to make mistakes with these players because football requires this kind of skill, and you have to manage it in different ways. When dealing with such talent, there is a lot of responsibility because it’s part of our football heritage.”
De Zerbi, 44, further elaborated, “This is how I’ve always thought. I feel it’s my duty to help very talented players become outstanding players. Football needs exceptional players, but sometimes coaches focus solely on their own performance and career goals. I feel a great sense of responsibility in this regard. I believe that our style closely aligns with his qualities and attributes.”
However, Fati’s stint in England was brief and challenging, as he struggled with form and injuries, scoring only four goals in thirty games across all competitions. He is expected to return to Barcelona for the upcoming season under the management of Hansi Flick.
Meanwhile, De Zerbi has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become the new Chelsea manager, potentially succeeding Pochettino. Other names being considered for the role include Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Leicester City’s current manager, Enzo Maresca.
De Zerbi’s tenure at Brighton, though short, was marked by his commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating players like Fati into the squad. His philosophy emphasized the importance of developing players with high potential, ensuring that they are given the opportunity to flourish and contribute significantly to the team. This approach highlights a contrast with Pochettino’s perspective, which led to differing decisions regarding player acquisitions.
Ultimately, Fati’s time at Brighton did not meet expectations due to his struggles on the field, but De Zerbi’s vision and commitment to player development remained evident. As he is now considered for the Chelsea managerial position, his emphasis on talent cultivation and team-building could play a crucial role in shaping the future of any team he manages.