Ruben Amorim’s impressive performance at Sporting has made him a strong candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. However, Barcelona is also interested in him, especially with Xavi’s departure from Camp Nou this summer.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73090753/1586701190.0.jpg "Barcelona entered the game, ready to compete for Ruben Amorim with Liverpool 1")
Barcelona is now in a race to secure the appointment of Ruben Amorim, as he has emerged as the top choice for several major European clubs.
Initially, Barcelona was considered the favorites to sign the Sporting Lisbon coach. However, last week it was revealed that Xabi Alonso would be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for another season, which changed the dynamics.
Industry insiders in the frenetic managerial market this summer believed that Amorim would join Barcelona, while Alonso would go to either Liverpool or Bayern Munich, with Liverpool having a higher chance of securing the Basque tactician.
Alonso was highly sought after by many clubs, and Barcelona’s focus on Amorim was partly due to the belief that he was more attainable, considering the attention on the Bayer Leverkusen manager.
However, the high release clause of around €13m (£11.1m) set by Sporting has been one of the reasons why nothing has been confirmed yet.
The situation has undergone a significant transformation, as clubs previously focused on Alonso are now turning their attention to Amorim. Despite downplaying interest in him last week, the Portuguese has emerged as the primary target for several European clubs.
Liverpool had previously viewed him as the top alternative to Xabi Alonso, but the recent appointments of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in technical positions have influenced the club’s perspective.
The potential re-interpretation of the “head coach” role to replace Jurgen Klopp could indicate a greater level of flexibility within the club.