Liverpool ‘send representatives to watch Ruben Amorim’s Sporting’ as they eye Portuguese boss to replace Jurgen Klopp… but Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso remains the frontrunner
Liverpool are believed to have sent club representatives to look at Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP as they narrow down their shortlist of managers to replace Jurgen Klopp, reports suggest.
The highly decorated manager’s nine-year spell at Anfield comes to an end with the end of this season, after Klopp broke the news that he had ‘run out of energy’ and made the decision to leave at the end of January.
The Reds are determined to give the German head coach a farewell to remember as they continue to battle on all fronts after securing their first piece of silverware last weekend – the Carabao Cup.
But Liverpool’s hierarchy are keen to secure a successor before Klopp’s departure in a bid to ease the transition between eras, with Amorim being considered alongside Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi.
From the mirrorthe Merseyside club are busy doing extra due diligence before inviting the manager to interview for the role.
Liverpool have reportedly sent scouts to watch Ruben Amorim’s Sporting side in their Taca de Portugal match against Benfica
The Portuguese side defeated their Preimeira Liga rivals 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final
Bayer Leverkusen coach – and former Liverpool player – Xabi Alonso (pictured) remains the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp
Amorim was considered for the top spot at Chelsea at various points – first after the sacking of then manager Tuchel in September 2022 and later the departure of Graham Potter in April 2023.
It was thought that the head coach had a release clause included in his contract worth an estimated £8.5 million, but this figure is believed to have been significantly reduced.
The 39-year-old’s Sporting side are second in the Primeira Liga this season, with Amorim being named Manager of the Month in January.
In front of Liverpool’s scouts, they defeated table rivals Benfica 2–1 in the first leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-final.
The club are considering a range of suitors due to potential difficulties they could face in securing leader Alonso.
The former Liverpool midfielder has had a revelatory season at Bayer Leverkusen. His side are currently unbeaten since the start of the season and sit top of the Bundesliga, seven points ahead of their biggest rivals, Bayern Munich.
Bayern fired head coach Thomas Tuchel last week and is looking for his replacement. Like Liverpool, they will be keen to capitalize on Alonso’s links as a player in an attempt to lure him to the Allianz.
Jurgen Klopp will leave the Merseyside club after nine decorated years at the helm of Liverpool
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi is also believed to be under consideration at Anfield
On Wednesday, Mail Sport reported that Liverpool had contacted Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez, with Leverkusen chiefs directly aware of the club’s approach for their high-flying manager.
Alonso is under contract with the club until 2026.
On English soil, Liverpool are thought to be eyeing Brighton boss De Zerbi, along with Premier League rivals Manchester United – should the club make the decision to bring in current head coach Erik ten Hag.
The Seagulls are said to be drawing up contingency plans in preparation for the Italian’s possible departure at the end of the season.