Ruben Amorim edges closer to succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, as disputed report claims it’s ALREADY agreed, and Portuguese media name his release clause price after Xabi Alonso said no
- Liverpool have reportedly contacted Sporting about boss Ruben Amorim
- The Portuguese boss emerged as a top target after Xabi Alonso rejected them
- Have Liverpool been mentally torpedoed by Man United? Listen to the It all starts podcast
Liverpool have reportedly moved closer to signing Ruben Amorim after first making contact with Sporting Lisbon to bring him to Anfield this summer.
The Reds are looking for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, who will end his nine-year reign on Merseyside this summer, hoping to sign off by winning the treble of the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup, which he achieved in February.
Liverpool had initially chased their former midfielder
However, Alonso turned down both Liverpool and another interested party in Bayern to pledge his allegiance to Leverkusen next year, leaving Amorim the next favorites to take over the Anfield hotseat.
According to CNN via Oh JogoThe Reds have made initial contact with the 39-year-old manager and his representatives to ‘assess the possibility of him leading the team next season’.
Liverpool have reportedly made first contact with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim
The report adds that there have been no official talks between Liverpool and Sporting to date, although Amorim is aware of the Premier League club’s interest in his services.
It went on to say that talks between the two clubs ‘would not be wise at this point in the season’ as Sporting focus on attempting to secure the Portuguese championship. Sporting are four points clear of nearest rivals Benfica at the top of the league with a game in hand – and only seven games remaining.
However, a controversial report from Sky Germany has claimed that a three-year deal has already been agreed between Liverpool and Amorim.
O Jogo adds that Amorim wants to ‘take a step forward in his career’ and that he would ‘not think twice’ about interest from ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’.
His contract expires in 2026 and has a release clause of around £17 million (20 million euros).
The 39-year-old has emerged as the top target to succeed outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool are stepping up their search after missing out on their main target Xabi Alonso
Mail Sport understands Liverpool have denied links with Amorim after reporting last week that he was open to a Premier League job and was actively exploring coaching opportunities in England ahead of next season.
Amorim – one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe – will have no shortage of admirers.
Chelsea have long been admirers of Amorim but have backed away from a summer move for the highly rated coach amid doubts over Mauricio Pochettino’s future; while Manchester United appear to be looking for a new manager due to the uncertainty surrounding INEOS’ commitment to Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also looking for a new boss, with club legend Xavi leaving the Camp Nou, while Bayern Munich, who also wanted to appoint Alonso, are looking for replacements for the outgoing Thomas Tuchel.
Amorim has refused to commit his future to Sporting after this season after being questioned about the possibility of him leaving.
After being asked on Friday whether he could follow Alonso and entrust his future to his current employers, he said: ‘No, I cannot guarantee that.
‘I don’t want to talk too much about my future. But I will not argue or put pressure on Sporting, I owe the club a lot.’