LIVERPOOL CONFIDENTIAL: Amorim scores highly as Reds rate Klopp successors
Liverpool have sent scouts to several of Sporting's recent matches including the cup win over Lisbon rivals Benfica last Thursday, according to sources in Portugal, with boss Ruben Amorim high on the Reds' shortlist to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool Confidential first reported on January 29 how Amorim had joined the likes of Xabi Alonso on the list of contenders to take over as manager in the summer, and the 39-year-old has only strengthened his case since then.
Alonso, whose unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side won on Sunday to move 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, remains the front-runner for the vacant job, but it is understood Amorim is also rated very highly.
The tactician led former side Braga to the Taca de Liga in 2019 before switching to Sporting, where he guided the capital club to their 19th league title but first in two decades in 2020-21.
They are currently a point clear of Benfica this season with a game in hand.
Liverpool underwent a data-led recruitment drive once Klopp told owners Fenway Sports Group of his departure in November. Number-crunching head of research Will Spearman was crucial in that process and it is understood Amorim scored highly.
The Reds want an up-and-coming manager, with both Alonso and Amorim ticking that box.
Roberto De Zerbi was strongly mooted in football circles as a candidate but noise has died down on the Brighton boss. Julian Nagelsmann is a potential name but has drawbacks, too.
It appears Amorim has emerged as the next-best alternative to Alonso if Liverpool were unable to tempt the Spaniard to join. Bayern Munich have placed Alonso at the top of their list to replace Thomas Tuchel, while the former midfielder could also stay at the Bundesliga leaders.
Liverpool
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