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.
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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 I was pushed out with white handkerchiefs, or because I went to another club, it will happen.
"But being here doing my part, I won't be opening the door and leaving it ajar, because I think Sporting deserves another respect. If I have to go, I will. If I ever want to go, I’ll tell the president and Hugo Viana, and I’ll go. Right now, I want to stay here, I want to fulfil my contract and I have very clear objectives for what I want to do.
"And the club that wants me like Sporting wanted me, has to pay the clause. Because my way of doing things requires it. I can’t invite myself to other clubs, because my way of leading doesn’t work that way.
"I’m very happy where I am, I want to stay here and I know very well that there are times when people say I’m going to other clubs and others when people say I have to leave because I’m not fulfilling my goals: and I’m not in the championship right now.
"But going back to the beginning, I’ve seen many coaches change from one moment to the next and then they are not happy. And Sporting is where I want to be. If I ever stop wanting it, I will change my mind and let people know."
Since then, the manager has remained coy on his future, although he did respond to a question specifically on the links to Liverpool last month: "I’m not going to dwell on my future, I’ve already said what I had to say,” he said.
"Every time I talk about it the topic comes up again. I just want to beat Rio Ave and then we’ll see."
Sporting currently sit top of Liga Portugual, one point above rivals Benfica with a game in hand. Amorim will lead his team tonight (Friday) when they return to action after the international break with an away trip to play Estrela Amadora (8.30pm kick-off).
