According to ESPN, Brighton have approached Jorge Sampaoli as they look to replace Graham Potter after his shock move to Chelsea.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be a very interesting appointment by the Seagulls.
Sampaoli surprisingly quit his job at Marseille back in July due to differences with those at boardroom level, despite guiding the French giants back into the Champions League.
The 62-year-old remains unemployed after resigning, but he could now be moving to the Premier League for the very first time in his career.
ESPN add that Brighton also sent an offer to Abel Ferreira before approaching Sampaoli, although the Portuguese coach was not interested in leaving his role at Palmeiras.
The report also fails to state how the Argentine has reacted to the approach from Brighton.
However, the fact he is currently unemployed gives Brighton a good chance of hiring him, whereas other candidates – such as Bo Svensson and Kjetil Knutsen – are locked into contracts at the moment.
Sampaoli has overseen 408 matches throughout his managerial career, winning 226 while averaging 1.88 points per game.
Jorge Sampaoli could shine at Brighton
In our view, this would be an exciting choice by Brighton.
As aforesaid, Sampaoli guided Marseille back into the Champions League last season, while he also lifted the Copa America with Chile in 2015.
The South American even came close to replacing José Mourinho at Chelsea in 2016 after Guus Hiddink’s interim stint came to an end, although the Argentine admitted that he was beaten to the job by Antonio Conte.
Sampaoli said: “I had a meeting with Chelsea’s owner and he told me that I was the first option. I was about to be their new coach. But then Conte appeared and it became a competition between us. It was him or me. I needed some time in order to improve my English but this kind of club doesn’t give you that time.”
Now, he could finally get his chance to shine in the Premier League – only time will tell what happens.
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