Liverpool managerial target Ruben Amorim has hinted that he could leave Sporting CP this summer after refusing to offer any guarantees that he’ll stay at the Lisbon club.
The 39-year-old is reportedly the Reds’ top target to fill the massive hole that will be left after Jurgen Klopp’s departure this summer, and reports swirl that he is open to joining the Premier League.
Amorim said (via Pedro Sepulveda): “I cannot guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season. I can’t say that like Xabi Alonso did.
“We have time to discuss my future. We will do that at the right time. Now focus on winning titles, and then we will see what happens.”
Liverpool directors Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes must now move swiftly to secure their target, who is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Barcelona.
Chelsea have had their sight set on the former Braga boss for some time and could turn to him if manager Mauricio Pochettino fails to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez has also announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, prompting the club to search for a new manager. They have Amorim on their radar even though they are concerned about his inexperience.
It would not be ideal for the Liverpool top brass to miss out on their top two managerial targets, but their shortlist of Klopp replacements is deep with other reputable coaches in line to succeed the German.
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has been touted for bigger things and is one of Liverpool’s options. The Italian has earned rave reviews for his tactical nous and attacking brand of football which could be on display at Anfield next season.
Julian Nagelsmann is another name brewing in the rumour mill, but like De Zerbi, he has interest from Bayern Munich.
The former RB Leipzig boss could consider a return to Die Rekordmeister, but the Merseyside allure may reel him in.
