The Daily Ruben Amorim: Chelsea dragged in and social media claims rubbished
On Monday, we covered a claim from a Portuguese journalist on X which stated Liverpool have put a three year contract offer on the table for Ruben Amorim, and that personal terms are almost agreed.
We made clear at the time that those claims weren’t being backed up by any of the major Portuguese sport newspapers, of which there are three, and that it could be an attempt to get ahead of the story.
Following on from that, Tuesday’s edition of Record has Ruben Amorim on the front cover with a big splash inside… and there’s three main aims of the story.
Firstly, to insist the manager is focused on his job at Sporting until the end of the season. Secondly, to dismiss some of the claims which have been made. And, thirdly, to drag Chelsea into the picture.
The first point speaks for itself, and on the second, the newspaper states: ‘Contrary to what has been reported on social media, Record found, there are no ongoing negotiations with a view to a possible transfer or contract, just as it is false that there is an alleged verbal agreement that allows the coach to leave for €10m. Amorim’s termination clause is €30m for Portugal and drops to €20m abroad.’
The third point brings in interest from Chelsea, with both Liverpool and the Blues said to have ‘very concrete’ interest in the manager.
According to the report, Sporting have ‘excellent relations’ with Liverpool’s Michael Edwards, but also with Chelsea. Given that, they don’t expect any acts from either club which could destabilise the Lions’ season.
Record also mention interest from Manchester United, but that’s not presented as strong at this stage.
There are two potential reasons for bringing Chelsea interest into the story. One is that it’s real and the Blues are keen to replace Mauricio Pochettino with Amorim, and the other is to provide competition to Liverpool, perhaps in an effort to make it clear that €10m won’t be accepted.
Sporting paid SC Braga €10m for Amorim, so letting him go without a profit would be generosity that the Lisbon based side don’t often show.
As we’ve stated previously, perhaps Liverpool could offer something like a friendly or send a youngster or two on loan to get that amount down.
