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Brighton have initiated discussions with Graham Potter concerning a potential return to the club, but the management is adamant about not rushing into an appointment following their missed opportunity with Ipswich's Kieran McKenna.

Graham Potter: A Surprising Contender

Potter, who left Brighton to join Chelsea in September 2022, has emerged as an unexpected candidate to replace Roberto de Zerbi after the Italian's departure by mutual consent. Brighton's owner Tony Bloom initially targeted McKenna, but the Northern Irishman committed his future to Ipswich by signing a new four-year contract, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Tony Bloom's Strategic Approach

Bloom, alongside Brighton’s technical director David Weir, is spearheading the recruitment process. They have reportedly gauged Potter's interest despite his contentious exit after leading Brighton to a ninth-place finish in 2022. The 49-year-old coach, who has been jobless since being sacked by Chelsea after 31 games, is also on United’s radar should they decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag.

Exploring Other Candidates

Brighton's management is carefully assessing other potential candidates, including former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper and Malmö’s Henrik Rydström. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari expressed his thoughts on the links to his compatriot Rydström, stating:

"Honestly? Is it just a rumour? How sick! He is a great coach who likes to play good football. The rumour can’t be completely stupid, because Brighton looks at data and stats. He has very good statistics in Allsvenskan."

Fans' Mixed Reactions

Potter remains a divisive figure among some Brighton supporters due to his comments after leaving for Chelsea, including his remark: "If I wanted a nice easy life, I could have quite easily stayed working at Brighton." Over the past two years, eleven players or staff members have left Brighton for Chelsea, with the head of recruitment Sam Jewell being the most recent in February.

During Brighton’s loss to Chelsea last month, Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella were booed throughout the game, which was De Zerbi’s penultimate match. Brighton’s supporters showed their support for De Zerbi by singing "We want you to stay" at the end of his last match against Manchester United. However, the Italian had already agreed to depart due to what were described as irreconcilable differences with Bloom. De Zerbi has been linked with United and a potential return to Serie A.

What’s Next for Brighton?

Brighton's careful deliberation in selecting their next manager is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the league. The potential return of Potter could bring stability, but it also poses risks given the mixed feelings among the fan base. As Bloom and Weir continue their search, the focus will be on finding a candidate who can build on the club's recent successes and navigate the challenges ahead.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova