Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon manager, has become the primary candidate to take over the helm at Liverpool, following the era of Jurgen Klopp. This comes after Amorim, 39, was considered for several top roles within the Premier League.
In 2021, Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to clinch their first league championship in nearly two decades, positioning them as contenders to secure the title once again this season. Presently, Sporting holds a four-point lead over their closest competitors, Benfica, with a game in hand, illustrating their strong stance in the league.
Sky Germany reports that Amorim has, in principle, reached an agreement to lead Liverpool in the upcoming season. Ahead of Sporting’s recent 2-1 victory against Benfica, when queried about his future at Sporting, Amorim’s response highlighted his commitment to success and the possibility of departure should the club fail to achieve its title ambitions:
“No, I can’t guarantee [I’ll stay]. 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,”
he stated.
Amorim’s tenure at Sporting has not only brought them success but has also garnered international praise for his management skills, making him a sought-after name for several prestigious Premier League clubs. Aston Villa had Amorim on their radar as a potential successor to Steven Gerrard in 2022.
Despite his appeal, Amorim expressed a desire to stay with Sporting, especially during their Champions League campaign, leading Aston Villa to appoint Unai Emery, formerly of Arsenal, who has since excelled in his role.
The Sporting manager was also considered for the managerial vacancies at Chelsea and Tottenham during the last summer, following the departures of Graham Potter and Antonio Conte, respectively. Despite these opportunities, Amorim conveyed his disinterest in leaving Sporting in an interview with Diario de Noticias, emphasizing his satisfaction with his current position and dismissing the speculation surrounding his career moves:
“I’m not looking for anything,”
he affirmed.
“And by the way, I want to value what I have and not what is said. And it’s been said so many times… I’ve already said it, I’ve had contacts with other clubs, Sporting even knows, but I always wanted to stay because I like being at Sporting.”
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Sporting Lisbon manager Rúben Amorim has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Liverpool, according to Sky Germany. pic.twitter.com/JkoySSKaN2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2024
Rúben Amorim has not agreed anything with Liverpool. He is focused on winning the League & Cup.
Of course Liverpool are interested, and he will listen to a club of such magnitude & history. But right now, he has NOT agreed anything with the English club, contrary to reports. pic.twitter.com/CnoVD8hoXU
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) April 9, 2024
