Liverpool have reportedly moved closer to signing Ruben Amorim after making first contact with Sporting Lisbon to bring him to Anfield this summer.
The Reds are searching for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, who will end his nine-year reign on Merseyside at the end of the season, hoping to close out by winning the treble of the Premier League, the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, which he lifted in February.
Liverpool had initially chased their former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is doing wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, having led them to an unbeaten season in the Bundesliga and 16 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
However, Alonso rejected both Liverpool and another interested party in Bayern to pledge allegiance to Leverkusen next year, leaving Amorim the next favorite to take over at Anfield.
According to CNN, via O JogoThe Reds have established initial contact with the 39-year-old coach and his representatives to “evaluate the possibility of him leading the team next season.”
Liverpool have reportedly made first contact with Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim
The Portuguese manager has taken a step closer to taking charge of the Reds, after a controversial report claimed he had agreed a deal to become the next manager.
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The report adds that there have been no official talks between Liverpool and Sporting so far, although Amorim is aware of the Premier League club’s interest in his services.
He went on to say that discussions between the two clubs “would not be wise at this stage of the season” as Sporting are focused on trying to secure the Portuguese league championship. Sporting are four points ahead of nearest rivals Benfica at the top of the league with a game in hand, with just seven games left.
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 “wouldn’t think twice” given the interest of “one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
His contract expires in 2026 and has a release clause of around £17 million (€20 million).
The 39-year-old has become the top target to succeed outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool intensify their search after losing their main target, Xabi Alonso
Mail Sport understands Liverpool have denied links with Amorim after reporting last week that he was open to a job in the Premier League and was actively exploring training opportunities in England ahead of next season.
Amorim, one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe, will have no shortage of admirers.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Amorim but have distanced themselves from a summer move for the highly-rated manager amid doubts over Mauricio Pochettino’s future; while Manchester United could be looking for a new manager amid uncertainty over 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 identifying replacements for the outgoing Thomas Tuchel.
Amorim has refused to commit his future to Sporting beyond this season after being questioned about the possibility of him leaving.
Klopp shocked football by revealing he will step down as Liverpool manager in the summer
After being asked on Friday if he could follow Alonso and commit his future to his current employers, he said: “No, I can’t guarantee that.”
‘I don’t want to talk too much about my future. “But I won’t argue or put pressure on Sporting, I owe a lot to the club.”
Liverpool have been searching for a new manager for some time after Klopp revealed he informed them of his desire to end his reign in November.
In a bombshell announcement in January, Klopp said he was “running out of steam” after almost a decade in charge and needed a break from football.
“I will leave the club at the end of the season,” he said. “I can understand that it’s a shock to a lot of people at the moment, when you first hear it, but obviously I can explain it, or at least try to explain it.
‘I’m running out, how can I say it, without energy. I don’t have any problems now, obviously, I’ve known this for a while and I’ll have to announce it at some point, but now I’m absolutely fine. I know I can’t do the job again and again and again and again.’