Solskjaer on Brighton shortlist as former Man Utd boss ‘mentioned internally’ as Potter replacement

Will Ford
Solskjaer slammed by Tim Sherwood

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly being considered by Brighton as they seek a replacement for Graham Potter.

Solskjaer has been out of a job since he was sacked by Manchester United last November, and is thought to be keen on a return to the Premier League.


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Brighton have been linked with a host of managers since Potter left for Chelsea earlier this month Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness) claim Solskjaer has been ‘mentioned internally’ by the Seagulls bosses.

The report claims ‘Brighton’s preference would be to hire someone with a good command of the English language and the current favourites are a coach who has already managed in the Premier League and one working abroad’.

Before his stint with Manchester United, during which he led them to a second-place Premier League finish in the 2020-21, Solskjaer endured a less than successful spell with Cardiff City, as they were relegated from the top flight.

The Brighton owner, Tony Bloom, met the chief executive, Paul Barber, and the technical director, David Weir, this week to discuss their options.

Fellow Norwegian Kjetil Knutsen is the bookmakers’ favourite having led Bodo/Glimt to successive league titles, while former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi, Lens manager Franck Haise and Nottingham Forest’s Steve Cooper have also been linked.

The postponement of Brighton’s game against Crystal Palace on Saturday has given the bosses more time to come a decision, as they do not now play again until their trip to Anfield on October 1.

“We are working through our list,” Barber said. “We’re not in a huge rush. One of the fortunate positions we find ourselves in is the break, that gives us a little bit more time after six or seven games of the season.

“That in itself is a small advantage, but it’s not something that means we will take our foot off the gas, it means we will work hard on the processes we follow.”

Having departed the Amex, in an open letter to the Brighton fans, Potter said: “This has been three wonderful years with a club that has changed my life and I want to take a moment to say goodbye to all of you who have made it such a special period of my career.

“I bid farewell to a great club and one that will always mean so much to me and my family. For some I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept.

“I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.”