The Reds may strike a bargain for Ruben Amorim.
Saturday saw more news drop in the wake of Xabi Alonso ruling himself out of the Liverpool manager’s job, with particular focus on Ruben Amorim.
But there’s been buildup, of course, with Liverpool back in action on Sunday as Brighton come to Anfield. That means a meeting with another potential manager target – Roberto De Zerbi.
He has some kind words for Jurgen Klopp this week, too, as well as an injury update on his side.
AMORIM CLAUSE COULD BE A BARGAIN
Liverpool have learned the true release clause in the contract of Ruben Amorim. The 39-year-old’s was wrongly reported in the media.
Ruben Amorim
The Telegraph reports that Liverpool learned Ruben Amorim has a release clause of €15m, or £12.8m in his contract at Sporting. That’s significantly lower than has been reported elsewhere.
The report mentions the Portuguese media as having as it wrong. They’re not the only ones reporting otherwise, though. The Times say the clause is £17m, while Fabrizio Romano claims it’s more like £25m.
Now, the Telegraph’s number certainly isn’t cheap. That would still make Amorim the fourth-most expensive manager in history. £17m would put him third on that list, while Romano’s figure would make the 39-year-old the most expensive ever.
But Liverpool could apparently get him for less than that, or at least ease the door open to negotiation. Amorim’s clause drops even lower in 2025 – closer to £8m.
BRIGHTON MISSING STARS
Brighton have confirmed several injuries for their Premier League clash vs Liverpool on Sunday. They’ll be missing key players at Anfield.
Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Brighton are without several key players as they travel to face Liverpool this weekend. It was known that the Seagulls would be missing a few but the extent of their absences is a surprise.
Joao Pedro is now the headline absence. There had been a sense that the Brazilian could return for this one but De Zerbi ruled him out, saying he doesn’t wish to risk his young players.
The striker has 19 goals for Brighton this season, including eight in the Premier League, but will miss the Premier League clash.
He’s joined by James Milner, who won’t be available for his return to Anfield. Adam Lallana, however, will be – and could make his 100th appearance for Brighton.
Julio Enciso is another absence, though, while Billy Gilmour – like Andy Robertson – picked up a problem playing for Scotland that rules him out for Sunday.
DE ZERBI ON KLOPP
Jurgen Klopp has been called the ‘most influential’ by his potential replacement at Liverpool. The German leaves at the end of the season.
Roberto De Zerbi and Jurgen Klopp
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi had high praise for Jurgen Klopp this week ahead of Liverpool vs Brighton this weekend. The Italian admitted he was ‘sad’ that Klopp was leaving both the Reds and the Premier League this year.
“I have a lot of respect for him,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports. “He’s a big man, a big coach – an incredible coach.
“I’m sad he leaves the Premier League and Liverpool but for us, for younger coaches, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are the most influential.”
De Zerbi isn’t just an opponent on Sunday, of course, but he’s a potential replacement for Klopp at Liverpool. The Brighton manager has been put among the favourites ever since Klopp announced he would step down.
LIVERPOOL CONSIDER SERIE A PAIR
Liverpool are considering two Serie A bosses as their next manager, according to reports. The Reds won’t be getting Xabi Alonso.
The Athletic reports that two Serie A managers are on Liverpool’s shortlist and have been discussed at the club. This comes as everyone on that list essentially moved up a place as Xabi Alonso removed himself from contention.
It leaves Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as the favourite – though, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is another key contender.
But it seems two Serie A managers are also on this list. The first is Inter’s Simone Inzaghi, who is considered an ‘outsider’ for the job.
The other is Thiago Motta. His work at Bologna has seen them shoot up the Serie A table and compete for the UEFA Champions League spots.
