Barcelona set to steal march on Liverpool by identifying top managerial candidate

Ruben Amorim has emerged as Barcelona’s top choice, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich set to prioritise Xabi Alonso

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Tuesday 05 March 2024 09:20 EST
Comments
Related video: Xabi Alonso reacts to Jurgen Klopp exit amid speculation he could take Liverpool job

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barcelona are looking at Ruben Amorim as the potential successor to Xavi Hernandez and are understood to be closer to the Sporting Lisbon coach than any of their major European rivals.

The Portuguese has become the most attractive European option after Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, in what is set to be a frenetic summer market for managers and sporting directors.

It was Xavi’s announcement that he will resign after this season that only added to that, ensuring that all of Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich - at the least - are looking for new managers.

Ruben Amorim has admirers across Europe
Ruben Amorim has admirers across Europe (Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool, while Thomas Tuchel will only be in charge of Bayern until the end of this campaign. Manchester United are widely expected to be another, with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.

While Liverpool and Bayern have so far prioritised Alonso, who played as a midfielder with both clubs, the two also have an interest in Amorim.

Barcelona have currently put the Portuguese ahead of other options, and it may effectively help them to beat the club who miss out on Alonso as they would have a considerable head start.

Amorim has revitalised Sporting, winning their first league title in 19 years in 2021. He has become one of the most in-demand managers for this summer, with every club looking for a manager seriously considering him

It was reported by The Independent last month that Liverpool had him as their second option behind Alonso.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in