Head coach Fabian Hurzeler says he resolved his future with Brighton & Hove Albion to provide clarity in the push to qualify for Europe.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Hurzeler has signed a new contract until 2029, replacing a deal that expired in 2027, with the 33-year-old having attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen.
“Clarity is always important,” Hurzeler told reporters during his press conference for Saturday’s penultimate home game of the season against relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Clarity regarding the last three games is crucial. That is why we wanted to finish this (contract negotiation) as quickly as possible, and then we have clarity, because there are always noises at the end of the season, with offers from other clubs.
“There are always noises about players typically in this period when it gets closer to the transfer window, so for me and the club it was important to have this clarity. To focus now just on performance, to finish this season strongly. That was the main reason.”
Brighton sit eighth in the table on 50 points, with four points dividing Bournemouth in sixth (52) from Fulham in 11th (48) in the congested race for Europe. It is unclear at this stage how many clubs will qualify via a high league finish for the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Mats Wieffer (ankle) and Diego Gomez (knee) are doubts for the Wolves game, but James Milner and Solly March are back in squad contention after injuries.
Wieffer was forced off halfway through the 3-0 home win against Chelsea and lasted only 18 minutes of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United. If Wieffer is ruled out he will either be replaced by fellow Dutchman Jan Veltman or Ferdi Kadioglu will switch to right-back, with Maxim De Cuyper coming in at left-back.
Brighton’s final two fixtures are away to Leeds United on May 17 and at home to Manchester United on May 24.
