Liverpool

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After Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ended speculations about a potential move to Liverpool in the summer, reports have surfaced that the Merseyside club is hoping to land Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim. The compensation package that the Reds may have to offer to avail the Portuguese's services has now been revealed. 

According to a report in The Telegraph, Amorim has a release clause in his contract which means if Liverpool want to bring him to Anfield next season, they would have to trigger the clause simply. 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. 

While the fee might appear exponential, especially when hiring a manager, the recent market movement suggests that Liverpool are getting a bargain. Notably, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich had to shell out $32.4 million to appoint RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann in 2021 while Chelsea under Todd Boehly spent an astronomical $27 million to acquire Brighton's Graham Potter. 

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Liverpool's first choice to replace the charismatic Jurgen Klopp was Alonso. The fact that the Spaniard played for the club and has a clear connection to the city meant that strong rumours were going around, suggesting that Alonso was all set to come to La AXA next season. 

Also read | Premier League: Liverpool to miss out on signing Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso

Alonso releases statement 

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However, with Leverkusen on the precipice of winning the Bundesliga title and the club moving ahead in the right direction, Alonso preferred to stay in Germany and build a dynasty with his young team. 

“Last week I had a meeting [with club officials] and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” said Alonso, ahead of the start of the final leg of the season. 

“After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach. My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great … it’s all fantastic here," he added.

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)