Sporting CP could play hardball over Liverpool’s Ruben Amorim negotiations

Ruben Amorim

Sporting CP may try to thwart Liverpool’s pursuit of manager Ruben Amorim in an effort to get the Reds to pay a larger compensation price.

Amorim has become a strong contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp when manager stands down this summer after Xabi Alonso made it known that he intends to stay with Bayer Leverkusen past this season.

A gentleman’s agreement between the club and manager allows Amorim to go for just €10m (£8.6m) if a “top European side” makes an offer. Amorim’s contract with Sporting has a release clause worth €20m (£17.1m) for non-Portuguese clubs.

The meaning of “top European side” is what can make Liverpool’s strategy more difficult. According to several sports publications, it refers to any team in the top five league that plays Champions League football. Liverpool is almost guaranteed to make the tournament the following year, but they are not a Champions League team at the moment because of their difficulties from the previous campaign, which has forced them to play in the Europa League this year.

If Liverpool were to contact Sporting at this time, the Portuguese team might contend that Liverpool does not fit their definition of a “top European side” and make an attempt to secure a transfer fee closer to €15 million for Amorim. Considering how well Sporting and Liverpool get along, it is unlikely that the €20 million provision will need to be activated.

Naturally, Liverpool might just utilize Amorim’s release clause to end any talks with Sporting, but if they do move forward, they will be expected to attempt to negotiate.

Liverpool insiders maintain that they have not yet struck a personal terms deal with Amorim, despite some stories indicating otherwise, and that no candidate they have put up for the role of Klopp’s replacement has yet to have a formal interview.

Financial arrangements have been explored and communication has been established with Amorim’s representatives, but Liverpool maintain that this is only a procedural matter. Discussions are in progress on several potential managerial prospects. The Reds always intend to formally interview a minimum of three candidates prior to deciding on their main target. This still has the potential to occur soon and in April.

Although Amorim, 39, hasn’t decided on his future either, he is anticipated to meet with Liverpool in the upcoming days or weeks.

Even if a public announcement is postponed until the summer, Liverpool wants to have finalized the recruitment of their next manager before the current season ends.

Sources at Stamford Bridge have played down any connections between Amorim and Chelsea. As per a long-standing agreement between the club and manager, Mauricio Pochettino’s job will be evaluated in the summer. Despite this, the Blues are still planning for their future under his leadership.

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