Brighton manager De Zerbi hints at transfer replacement for Mac Allister as he tells fans ‘go check him out on YouTube’
ROBERTO DE ZERBI all but confirmed Brighton’s new signing of Mahmoud Dahoud – by telling fans to check him out on YouTube!
Syrian midfielder Dahoud, 27, is set to join on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund, following £30million capture Joao Pedro through the Albion doors this summer.
Seagulls chief De Zerbi said: “I know very well Dahoud, but it’s not official, no?
“We will speak about him later in the next press conference. It’s not a secret, I like him and I would like to work with him. You can see him on WyScout or YouTube!”
An effective No8 or No10, Dahoud could well be a replacement for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Liverpool have been mooted as a likely destination for the Argentine and De Zerbi suggested both Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo could leave after Sunday’s 3-0 win at Arsenal.
Brighton are looking to follow that resounding win at the Emirates which killed off the Gunners’ title hopes by denting Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations on Thursday night.
Albion need just two wins from their final four games to clinch a Europa League spot for themselves and De Zerbi is confident they can do it.
The Italian added: “It’s our target – to play another big game in the same way we played at Arsenal.
“The big teams play in the same way after three days, after four days, after seven days. We have to be ready to forget the last game and start with a clear head.
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“If we want to reach the historic target, we have to make historic results.
“We beat Chelsea twice, we won 3-0 against Liverpool, we won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
“To reach an incredible target, you have to win incredible games.”
De Zerbi will be without Joel Veltman, Adam Lallana, Solly March, Adam Webster on Thursday.
Keeper Robert Sanchez is also likely not to travel as he is currently training with the Under-23s, after he sat out the Arsenal game at home.
De Zerbi would not elaborate further on what has gone on between the two but said it was the Spanish international’s decision to train with the stiffs.
The Albion chief added: “With Robert, we spoke before the Arsenal game and we decided together the best solution was for him to stay home.
“Robert decides at the moment, it’s like this (training with the Under-23s), because he wants it that way, not me, not the club.”
Likely line-up: Steele; Caicedo, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Buonanotte, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Welbeck.