Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton at the end of the season, the club confirmed on Saturday.
The Italian earned plaudits for his debut campaign in the Premier League after he replaced Graham Potter midway through last season.
De Zerbi guided the Seagulls to their best ever top-flight finish and brought them to the Uefa Europa League, where they were knocked out by Roma in the round of 16.
But the 44-year-old has confirmed that this Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United at the Amex Stadium will be his final one in the Brighton dugout.
“I am very sad to be leaving Brighton,” De Zerbi said in a statement following a “mutual agreement” between the club and manager.
Club chairman Tony Bloom said: “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.
“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.
De Zerbi, who was previously linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, says he will take a break before deciding on his future.
Roberto De Zerbi statement in full:
“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.
“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.”
