‘Willing to Pay’: Brighton to Make Formal Approach for Highly Sought-After Manager; Confident to Get Deal Done

Brighton and Hove Albion have emerged as a potential landing spot for in-demand Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. The Seagulls are expected to make a formal approach to the newly promoted Championship side for the 38-year-old.

Brighton and Manchester United To Join Race for Chelsea-Linked Coach

Manager of the Season

McKenna worked as an assistant manager at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before joining Ipswich Town in December 2021. Since then, he has led the club to back-to-back promotions, establishing his reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in English football.

Ipswich secured a place in the English top flight after finishing second in the Championship, two points behind Leicester City. Despite not winning the trophy, McKenna was named the Championship Manager of the Season for leading the Tractor Boys to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

The 38-year-old also claimed the League Managers Association’s (LMA) Manager of the Year award ahead of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola.

Next Move for Kieran McKenna

McKenna has emerged as one of the main candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea. The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has claimed the Blues have already notified Ipswich Town of their interest. However, they are not the only club pushing to sign the in-demand manager.

According to the Times, Brighton are “confident” that they can beat Chelsea to McKenna’s signature. The Seagulls are searching for a new manager after confirming Roberto De Zerbi’s departure earlier this month.

Manchester United are also among the possible destinations for the Ipswich Town manager. According to Manchester Evening News, McKenna is open to taking charge at Old Trafford if the Red Devils decide to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final.

Brighton have been known to make shrewd transfer decisions in recent times and their fans would be hoping that their next move for a manager would also be the same.