Brighton are in the process of finalizing a deal to appoint Kieran McKenna as Roberto De Zerbi’s replacement, but still face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for the Ipswich manager.
McKenna, who has emerged as one of the brightest young managers in the country after leading Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League, is set to move to the Amex Stadium if conditions are right. It is understood that if McKenna were to join Brighton, his vacancy would need to be filled by an agreement with De Zerbi.
Brighton will need to agree a deal with Ipswich, who will be keen to keep hold of the 38-year-old. McKenna will lift the Suffolk club out of League One in 2023 and defied expectations to finish second in the Championship last season.
McKenna’s accomplishments during his short coaching career made him a wanted player. Chelsea are considering whether to sack manager Mauricio Pochettino and have spoken to McKenna’s agent. There is also strong interest from United, who could dispense with the services of Erik ten Hag. Brighton are confident they can agree a deal, but McKenna could wait until either Chelsea or United have an opening.
His calculation will be whether working in a less pressured environment would help his development at this stage in his career. Brighton are a well-run club under manager Tony Bloom and will give McKenna time to develop.
McKenna, who previously worked in United’s backroom staff, has won praise for his coaching quality and attacking football. Ipswich will be hoping he decides to stay and strives to remain at the top level. But the worry for McKenna will be whether Ipswich’s fall from grace will damage his reputation. Bridging the financial gap will not be easy, and McKenna may point out that all three promoted clubs have been relegated this season.
After newsletter promotion
Ipswich will have to be prepared to lose him. They have named Luton Town’s Rob Edwards as a potential replacement for McKenna.
