- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool are now studying what a deal for Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim looks like after missing out on Xabi Alonso to be their new manager, HITC understands.
The Anfield natives are still yet to settle on the tactician who will replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. Klopp announced in January that he will leave Liverpool this summer and will not see out his contract until 2026. Yet he may leave with a second Premier League title.
Only goal difference splits Liverpool from table-toppers Arsenal after 28 games ahead of the Reds hosting Brighton & Hove Albion. A win on Sunday could also give the Merseyside outfit control of the title race ahead of the Gunners travelling to meet third-place Manchester City.
Liverpool are looking into what it takes to bring Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to England
But while Klopp bids to win Liverpool another Premier League title, the Anfield hierarchy are looking for his replacement. HITC understands Liverpool have done their homework on Amorim and are looking into what a deal to bring the Sporting boss to England looks like.
Sources have also confirmed to HITC that Amorim is now emerging as the preferred option for several senior figures at Anfield after Liverpool missed out on Bayer Leverkusen’s Alonso. The Reds turned their attention to Amorim after Alonso decided to stay in Germany.
“I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] when I informed them of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” Alonso revealed on Friday in a press conference. “I feel that this is the right place for me to develop as a coach.”
What has Sporting boss Ruben Amorim said about replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield?
HITC also understands that Amorim has a release clause worth €15m (£13m) in his contract with Sporting. But the clause can only be exercised at the end of this season. While Amorim discussed Liverpool’s interest in the 39-year-old possibly replacing Klopp on Friday.
“I’m just Sporting’s coach and I’m focused on the Portuguese Cup,” Amorim said, via A Bola.
HITC revealed on Thursday that Amorim is now one of the candidates that Liverpool are focusing on. Anfield chiefs also admire the likes of Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. But the Reds might face competition to target Amorim.
Sources have also confirmed to HITC that Chelsea are showing interest in targeting Amorim if the Stamford Bridge natives decide to move on from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. Pochettino has so far only won 11 of his 27 Premier League games in charge there.