American-born Fabian Hürzeler has become the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history with his appointment at Brighton.
Hürzeler, 31, arrives from German side St. Pauli, whom he guided to the Bundesliga after a 13-year absence this season.
He has signed a three-year contract with Brighton and will begin work as soon as his work permit is obtained.
“From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Fabian was always a standout candidate and one who caught our attention with his exceptional work at St. Pauli over the last 18 months,” said Brighton president Tony Bloom. .
“He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton & Hove Albion team to play, and I am sure it is one that our supporters will appreciate and enjoy.
“Fabián also has an excellent coaching record and has worked with the German federation at various age group levels. We are very excited to start working with Fabián to prepare for next season.”
Brighton's statement announcing Hürzeler's appointment said he will be officially presented at a press conference on July 2.
Several players in the Brighton squad will be older than their incoming manager. James Milner, 38, Danny Welbeck, 33, Pascal Gross, 33, and Lewis Dunk, 32, were born before Hürzeler, among others.
The manager will not break the record for the youngest person to officiate a Premier League match, as Ryan Mason officiated a Tottenham game at the age of 29 during a brief interim period in 2021.
Hürzeler, who was born in Houston to a Swiss father and German mother, worked as an assistant coach for the German under-18 and under-20 teams before taking charge of St. Pauli midway through the 2022-23 season.
The club were languishing near the relegation places when Hürzeler took charge, but under his management they finished a respectable fifth place.
The following year, Hürzeler's first full season as coach, ended with St. Pauli lifting the 2.Bundesliga title on the final day of the season.
He replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who left the south coast club at the end of the season after a year and a half at the club.
