Lisbon
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint regarding his future, which includes a potential move to Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp. Amorim has admitted that he might not stay in Portugal for another season as the English giants come knocking at his doors.
Speaking ahead of the Lisbon derby against Benfica which might very well decide the Liga Portugal title, Amorim's statement could have serious ramifications.
"I cannot guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season," Amorim said in a press conference when quizzed if he is staying beyond the summer.
After Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ended speculations about a potential move to Liverpool in the summer, Amorim's name has emerged as the favourite. The Portuguese cleared that he could not give a clear answer like Alonso did, earlier this month.
"I can’t say that like Xabi Alonso did. We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time," he added.
??? Ruben Amorim: “I can NOT guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season”.
“I can’t say that like Xabi Alonso did”.
“We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time”.
“Now focus on winning titles and then we will see what happens”. pic.twitter.com/2PNfglaedF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 5, 2024
Amorim said if Sporting did not win any silverware this season, he would leave the club.
“Sporting is already dealing with the future, I can’t decide. 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. First we’ll see if we can do it and then we’ll decide things."
Also read | Premier League: Liverpool to miss out on signing Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso
Amorim's potential Liverpool move
Amorim has a release clause in his contract which means if Liverpool want to bring him to Anfield next season, they would have to simply trigger the clause. Amorim can be allowed to leave the Portuguese club for as little as $16 million when the release clause becomes active in the summer. The fee further drops to $10.5 million the following season.
Klopp leaves Liverpool at the end of the season after successful nine years at the helm. The club is currently involved in a three-leg title race whilst challenging for the Europa League where there is a high possibility that Alonso's Leverkusen could meet them in the final.
(With inputs from agencies)