Ruben Amorim has given Liverpool fans hope that he could be the man to replace Jurgen Klopp after revealing he may leave Sporting this summer.
The 39-year-old coach, who delivered Sporting their first Primeira Liga in 19 years in 2021, is highly sought after, with both Liverpool and Barcelona reportedly vying for his signature and Tottenham previously interested.
Sporting sit at the summit of the Portuguese league, a point and a game in hand over second-placed Benfica. But, ahead of this weekend’s Lisbon derby between Portugal’s top two sides, Amorim admitted his future may not lie with Sporting.
“No, I can’t guarantee [I’ll stay],” said Amorim. “I gave my word and I can’t go back on it. If we don’t win titles, I’ll leave Sporting.
“It was clear from the start, it was the bet I passed on to the players. We have to win titles.”
Amorim had previously hinted that this could be his final season in Portugal. On Tuesday the former Portugal international responded “we’ll see” to suggestions that the domestic cup final could be his final game in the Sporting dugout.
Liverpool have stepped up their search for their first new boss in nine years as Klopp approaches his final months at Anfield.
Following Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season, Amorim has increasingly been touted as Klopp’s successor.
The Reds have an intimate relationship with Amorim’s agent, who also represents Colombian striker Luis Diaz.
Barcelona are reportedly keen to lure the highly regarded manager to the Nou Camp, with Xavi’s three-year reign in the hot seat coming to an end in June.
Amorim, who has also managed Braga since retiring as a player in 2017, reportedly has a release of £12.8 million. This fee is said to fall to £8.5m in the 2025 summer transfer window.
He guided Sporting to a domestic double in his second season in charge, for which he was named the Primeira Liga's Manager of the Year in 2021. This season alone he has already been named Manager of the Month on three occasions.
Liverpool’s hunt for a new boss continues with Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thiago Motta also linked to the role.
