Liverpool have found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of news over Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
The Reds had seemingly targeted Amorim as one of the key names in their search to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.
However, the 39-year-old’s potential to arrive at Anfield was thrown into doubt yesterday. Amorim reportedly now looks ‘unlikely’ to be Liverpool’s next manager.
Instead, the Portuguese coach is claimed to have been in meetings with West Ham United. The Reds Premier League rivals seem keen on hiring Amorim and are said to have offered him a contract far exceeding that on offer at Liverpool.
Nevertheless, the door is apparently not yet completely closed on Amorim and the Reds. Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda brings that latest.
Ruben Amorim makes Liverpool request
According to Sepulveda, Amorim’s talks with West Ham did not go as planned for the London club. The Sporting manager will not be taking charge of the Hammers.
Taking to X to relay this news, Sepulveda also claims that Amorim has come back to Liverpool to ask for a better salary.
“Ruben Amorim’s side asked LFC a three years contract with a salary of £10 million net per year plus a signing fee,” he says. “Liverpool offered less than that.
“Amorim won’t change Sporting CP for West Ham.”
What could Liverpool do next
In our opinion, Amorim is still possibly the best option out there for Liverpool right now. We like what Thiago Motta is doing at Bologna, but the Sporting man is more experienced and has trophies to his name.
As a result, we’d argue that Amorim is worth whatever he is asking Liverpool to pay him.
Nevertheless, if the Reds don’t agree – and there’s still a chance they’re lining someone else up – then they won’t be backed into a corner.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot’s name also seems to have been thrown into the hat recently. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher outlined last week why he ‘always thought’ Thomas Tuchel would succeed Klopp at Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho was spotted taking in the Reds game against Fulham on Sunday and could be an outside bet.
Finally, former Liverpool’s U18s coach Gary O’Neill is another to have been mentioned in passing.
Any would feel like a downgrade on Amorim. But, then again, anyone is going to be hugely inferior to Klopp, too. So let’s just have at it.