According to reports, Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with Liverpool, has identified three players that he would like to sign if he becomes the head coach at Anfield.
Liverpool is currently searching for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure at the end of the season. Amorim is currently the head coach of Sporting Lisbon and has been in charge for over 200 games in the past three-and-a-half years.
Recent reports suggest that the 39-year-old has verbally agreed to join Liverpool in the summer, with a three-year contract being offered. Despite the speculation, Amorim has stated that he is fully focused on his duties at Sporting, who are currently leading the Primeira Liga table by four points.
However, as per Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, via The Sun, Amorim has already pinpointed three players whom he desires to bring along with him to Anfield for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
According to the report, centre-back duo Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande are considered as two prominent targets who could bolster Liverpool’s defense, which has been plagued by injuries.
Amorim is reportedly eager to entice both Inacio, aged 22, and Diomande, aged 20, to join Liverpool, while also ensuring the continuation of club captain Virgil van Dijk’s services, whose contract expires in June 2025.
Furthermore, there might be a potential addition in the midfield department, as the report suggests that Amorim has shown interest in recruiting 24-year-old Morten Hjulmand.
Amorim’s reported interest in acquiring both Inacio and Diomande coincides with Joel Matip’s uncertain future at the club. Matip, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Additionally, there are concerns about Ibrahima Konate’s fitness, making central-defensive reinforcements a potential priority for Amorim. Sporting has been successful with a three-at-the-back system, and both Inacio and Diomande have played crucial roles in the team’s recent achievements.
Inacio has already made 163 appearances for the club, while Diomande, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, is nearing 50 appearances since joining last year.
Liverpool underwent a significant midfield overhaul last summer, but they are now set to part ways with Thiago Alcantara, who has been plagued by injuries. With less than three months left on his contract, it seems unlikely that he will be offered a new deal.
This potential departure could lead Liverpool to intensify their pursuit of Danish international Hjulmand. Hjulmand, who joined Sporting from Lecce last summer, has contributed four goals and four assists in 43 appearances this season. He has been previously linked with Tottenham Hotspur and is currently valued at around £65m, with over four years remaining on his Sporting contract.