Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister ‘deserve to play in another level’ – Brighton boss

Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto de Zerbi, insists that Moises Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister “deserve to play in another level” given interest from rival clubs.

For the first time in their history, the Seagulls have qualified for Europe, but De Zerbi claims he would not hold it against either player if they choose to leave in the summer considering how good they are.

MacAllister and Caicedo have both been instrumental this season for the Seagulls since the start of the season and could see their efforts being rewarded in the summer transfer window.

“When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club – but I think still for the players,” said De Zerbi.

“The players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them.”

In January, Brighton turned down a deal of about £70 million from Arsenal for Ecuador international Caicedo, while World Cup-winning Argentine Mac Allister is highly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.

With a win over Southampton on Sunday, the south coast guaranteed European football, and De Zerbi hopes it will encourage the midfielders to stay.

When asked if Wednesday’s home game against champions Manchester City would be the pair’s final in Brighton shirts at the Amex Stadium, De Zerbi replied, “It can be the last game, but I don’t know.”

“They can have the possibility to change [clubs] because they deserve to play in another level.”