What Ruben Amorim has said about his Sporting future after Liverpool dealt Xabi Alonso blow

Liverpool have been dealt a potential blow in their search for a new manager this summer, with Xabi Alonso looking to be out of the run-in.

The former Reds midfielder has been the favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield at the end of the season amid his success with Bayer Leverkusen. However, the ECHO understands that the club believes that the former Spain international is planning to stay with the German club for at least another season.

The development has led to Liverpool moving their search onto other targets. Among those under consideration is Sporting Clube de Portugal manager Ruben Amorim. The 39-year-old has been in charge of the Portuguese giants since 2020 and is on course to lift his second league title with the club.

Liverpool next manager odds after Xabi Alonso setback as Ruben Amorim chance emerges

Xabi Alonso unlikely to become new Liverpool manager as club monitor other targets

His achievements with the club have seen him linked with a move away on several occasions. He has also spoken about his future with the media, back in April 2023 he told Portuguese outlet Diario de Noticias what it would take for him to leave his current role at Sporting.

“The main factor is because I really like being here. And then, I’ve seen many coaches move to other leagues and not be happier,” he said.

"It sounds a bit cliche, but I think it’s an important factor in the decision [to be happy]. And I’m not looking for anything. 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. If I ever have to leave here, either because