The staggering amount Brighton will receive if Roberto De Zerbi joins Marseille this summer

Brighton and Hove Albion are known for their shrewd approach to player transfers and also managerial appointments.

The Seagulls reached an agreement to part company with Roberto De Zerbi at the end of last season but they will still receive a hefty figure should the Italian join a new club this summer.

De Zerbi, who was out-of-work when he joined Brighton in 2022, had a reported release clause in his contract of around £15m. He was contracted with Brighton until 2026 but they agreed to part ways last month on the understanding that Albion would still receive around £5m in compensation were he to take charge of another club.

De Zerbi is said to be in the final stages of agreeing a deal with Marseille on a three-year contract, which will provide a timely boost for Albion’s bank balance.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted: “Roberto de Zerbi and Olympique Marseille are set to agree on every detail of three year contract as new head coach.

Final step needed: OM to seal the deal with Brighton on €6m exit fee. De Zerbi’s clause, reduced from €15m to €6m when he left #BHAFC.”

It’s another example of how well Brighton financially protect themselves within a market dominated by larger clubs. The Seagulls received more than £20m from Chelsea when they poached previous manager Graham Potter.

The expected £5m from Marseille should more than cover the compensation they are about to pay German club St Pauli as they finalise the appointment of Fabian Hurzeler.