Expert: Hurzeler 'tempted' to leave Brighton and join 'big club'

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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago) Sun 5 April 2026 13:51, UK Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler could be tempted to leave the Seagulls in favour of a return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.Leverkusen’s Kasper Hjulmand is under intense pressure with the club currently on course to miss out on Champions League or Europa League qualification.Hurzeler, 33, has quickly become one of the most highly-regarded young manager in Europe and a return to his home country could appeal.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton are reluctant to lose their manager, but a lot will depend on his perspective.It would take a decent compensation fee to release him from his current contract, but should Leverkusen make a move, the decision will be in his hands.Credit: ImagoCould Hurzeler be tempted to walk away from Brighton?Football Insider revealed on 28 March that Bayer Leverkusen are lining up Hurzeler as their next manager, as he ranks high on their shortlist of options. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The boss has prior Bundesliga experience from his time at St Pauli, while his management at the Amex has earned him plenty of high praise.Fabian HurzelerBrighton RecordGames81Wins35Draws23Losses23Fabian Hurzeler’s record as Brighton manager.Brighton are putting together ambitious plans for the future under Hurzeler, and hope it will be enough to keep him around, but there are doubts creeping in.“There may well be interest from Leverkusen and other German clubs,” Brown told Football Insider.“That’s always the case when a manager is doing well elsewhere, they’ll be looking to lure him back to his home country, and there is a feeling he could be tempted.“You see it quite often, even if managers are getting on well elsewhere, the chance to go and manage a big club in their home country is always a draw.“So Leverkusen will be hoping that is enough to lure him away, even if Brighton don’t want to lose him.”How do Brighton feel about losing Hurzeler?Despite the ongoing links with a return to Germany, Brighton are planning for Hurzeler to lead their ambitious plans for the long-term future.Brown told Football Insider on 3 April that Brighton are doing everything to keep Hurzeler as they are determined not to be sucked into the managerial market.Credit: Getty ImagesA number of high-profile clubs, both in the Premier League and in Europe, will be looking for new managers this summer with competition for top names rising.Meanwhile, the Seagulls have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in their recent form which has seen them surge up the Premier League table into contention for a European place.Hurzeler has been widely praised for his work towards that, despite some criticism after a dip during the busy winter schedule, and they are keen for him to stay. 🔵 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Brighton Insider Access Get the full story from the Amex and Lancing with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the South Coast.