Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi will join a team widely different from the one he has been linked to over the past year.

The 45-year-old tactician has reached a principle agreement with French club Olympique de Marseille, the team announced on Monday, June 24.

De Zerbi's deal is reported to be a three-year contract set to last until June 2027, according to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian previously coached Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion for the past two seasons, leading them to an improbable sixth-place finish in 2022-23 and qualifying them for the Europa League.

Brighton will receive around €6 million ($6.4 million) in compensation from Marseille for their head coach.

"The club is currently working with all parties involved to formalize the arrival of the Italian coach and his staff on the OM bench, and to prepare for his arrival in Marseille in the coming days," Marseille said in a statement.

Roberto De Zerbi was linked to several historic clubs

Following Brighton's incredible 2022-23 season, De Zerbi was subject to speculation about a move to a big club.

Liverpool, Barcelona, and Manchester United were all linked with De Zerbi following managerial vacancies at the first two clubs and struggles at the latter in the 2023-24 season.

However, Liverpool and Barcelona filled their vacancies with Arne Slot and Hansi Flick, respectively, and Manchester United chose to stick with Erik ten Hag.

De Zerbi joins a wide-open Ligue 1 after star Kylian Mbappe left French champions Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid.