Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has acknowledged that midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo may have played their last games for the club.
The South American duo played key roles in Brighton’s successful season, helping them finish sixth in the Premier League and qualify for European football.
After securing qualification for the Europa League, De Zerbi initially expressed hope of convincing Mac Allister and Caicedo to stay. However, he has now admitted that the players could be sold to fulfill their ambitions of playing in the Champions League.
De Zerbi told the press, “I think it can be the last game for Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo at Brighton. I am really sorry because they are two great players, but the policy of Brighton is like this. It is right that they can leave to play at a higher level.”
Caicedo, who attracted interest from Arsenal in January, expressed his desire to leave the club at the time. Despite signing a new contract until 2027, the Ecuadorian midfielder is still expected to be sold if a club-record offer is made. Arsenal is rumored to be interested in reigniting their pursuit of Caicedo, but Brighton may be reluctant to negotiate with them after rejecting their previous bids.
Mac Allister finished the season as Brighton’s top goalscorer with 12 goals in all competitions. The 24-year-old’s contract with the club runs until 2025 with the option of a further year. He is reportedly close to agreeing on personal terms with Liverpool, who could potentially pay a significant fee of up to £70 million for his services. Manchester City is also said to be interested in hijacking Liverpool’s move for Mac Allister.
Brighton’s CEO, Paul Barber, has denied claims that Mac Allister has already agreed to leave the club this summer. The situation surrounding both players is expected to develop as the transfer window progresses.
