Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has decided to leave the club following Sunday's final match of the season against Manchester United.
The Italian arrived at Albion in September 2022, succeeding Graham Potter who departed for Chelsea. He quickly achieved success, guiding the club to their highest-ever finish in the top flight, securing sixth place.
They bagged a campaign in this season's Europa League and saw De Zerbi linked with several high-profile positions.
Brighton and De Zerbi made the last 16 of the Europa League, while they sit 10th in the Premier League with a game to go.
"I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons," De Zerbi said in a statement.
"We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.
"I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."
The news might be surprising to some, but there has been significant speculation about the 44-year-old's future for quite some time. When questioned in March about his position and the possibility of securing a new agreement, he remarked: "We didn't find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future. It's important for me, it's important for everyone but it's a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club."
Brighton owner Tony Bloom said that the decision has been made mutually.
"Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first-ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans," he said.
"We have mutually agreed to end Roberto's contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future,” he added.
It must be noted that Andrea Maldera, Ricard Segarra, Marcattilio Marcattilii, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto and Enrico Venturelli will also depart after Sunday's final Premier League game.
Coaches Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern will remain with the club.