Brighton have appointed Fabian Hurzeler, 31, as their manager, making him the youngest full-time boss in Premier League history.
Hurzeler, who led St Pauli to the Bundesliga 2 title last season by winning 20 of their 34 matches, has signed a contract until 2027.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom described Hurzeler’s work with St Pauli as making him a “standout candidate” to replace Roberto de Zerbi, who departed at the end of the season.
Hurzeler will begin his role once he receives a work permit, ahead of Brighton’s pre-season preparations in July.
“He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton & Hove Albion team to play and I’m confident it is one our supporters will appreciate and enjoy,” said Bloom.
Ryan Mason, at 29, was briefly Tottenham’s interim boss in 2021, making him the youngest coach to ever lead a Premier League team. However, Hurzeler is the youngest to do so on a full-time basis since the league’s inception in 1992.
Hurzeler is also younger than several of Brighton’s senior players, including James Milner, 38, Danny Welbeck, 33, and Lewis Dunk, 32.
The new Seagulls manager said he was looking forward to working for a team who are “highly ambitious”.
“The club has a unique history and bold vision for the future so I am truly excited to be part of the project,” said Hurzeler.
First-team coach Andrew Crofts and goalkeeping coach Jack Stern will remain in their positions, and Brighton say the rest of Hurzeler’s backroom staff will be confirmed “in due course”.
Who are the Premier League’s other youngest managers?
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Ryan Mason, Tottenham, 2021 – 29 years, 312 days (interim manager)
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Attilio Lombardo, Crystal Palace, 1998 – 32 years, 67 days (interim manager)
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Chris Coleman, Fulham, 2003 – 32 years, 313 days
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Gianluca Vialli, Chelsea, 1998 – 33 years, 227 days (initially player-manager)
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Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea, 2011 – 33 years, 301 days