On Thursday morning, the Portuguese press was full of stories about Ruben Amorim’s agreement to sign a new contract with Sporting.
Even though the paperwork hadn’t been signed yet, the local media was sure he’d extend the deal to 2024, and raise his release clause from €20m to €30m.
A couple of newspapers said the reason for the hurry to a new contract, since it’s only been one year since his arrival, is the interest from Premier League sides such as Leeds United.
This week, local sources claimed the Whites have made contact with Ruben Amorim’s entourage as they have him as an option in case Marcelo Bielsa chooses to leave Elland Road at the end of the season.
Well, it seems Thursday’s front pages were right, because Amorim signed a contract extension in the afternoon, and spoke to the local media right after the announcement.
He talked about the reasons for a new contract, and claimed he isn’t worried about the interest from foreign sides.
“We have an idea for the club in the long term and we made this agreement. Now, to sack me, they have to pay a little more. It’s the only difference in the contract,” said Amorim (via O Jogo).
“The focus is on the next game. It doesn’t matter the alleged interested in the coach, it doesn’t matter so much the contract, being obviously a sign of confidence.”
Amorim is just 36 years old and arrived from Braga one year ago. Now in his first full campaign with Sporting, he’s close to winning the league title, which the club haven’t conquered since 2002.
That Leeds United even have him on the radar is a good example of the club being run well.
