Jürgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of this season and the Premier League side are working to appoint his successor.
Sporting manager Rúben Amorim is in contention for the Anfield job and recent claims stated that the Reds would face competition from Barcelona.
Sport now provide the latest on the La Liga side’s stance on the Liverpool managerial target.
Like Klopp, Xavi Hernández has announced he will leave the Camp Nou after this season. The Catalan club are trying to convince him to continue while their sporting director, Deco, is working silently behind the scenes, looking for Xavi’s successor.
Claims in Portugal had said Deco is pleased with Amorim’s style of play at Sporting, which he believes is similar to that of Barcelona. However, Sport state the 39-year-old has fallen off their list due to his lack of experience at the highest level and, mainly, the cost to get him.
Amorim started his coaching career at Casa Pia in 2018 and then had a spell at SC Braga before joining Sporting in March 2020. His deal with the Lions lasts until 2026 and has a €20m clause for clubs outside Portugal.
Barcelona don’t want to pay that, and Sport further state the Spanish giants believe he’s on his way to Liverpool to replace Klopp.
Amorim is aware that Liverpool are willing to negotiate with Sporting. He’s focusing on finishing the season with the Lions, who are leading the table and have made it to the Portuguese Cup final on May 26th, which will be the last game of the season.
Therefore, the coming weeks could be crucial for both Liverpool and the manager to make a final decision.
