Ruben Amorim reportedly has a verbal agreement in his Sporting Lisbon contract that allows him to leave for less than his original release clause. Liverpool are leading the race to sign the Portuguese manager amid interest from several other elite sides.
“Verbal Pact” Revealed for Liverpool’s Top Managerial Target
An In-Demand Coach
Amorim started his managerial career shortly after hanging his boots at Benfica in 2017. Only two years later, he landed his first job at the Portuguese top flight, taking charge at Braga. However, he stayed at the club for only three months before accepting an offer from Sporting Lisbon in March 2020.
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Amorim’s performance at Sporting has established his reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe. He has already led the Lions to a league title and two Portuguese Cups and has a good chance of winning the domestic double again this season.
Amorim has emerged as a serious candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp since the German manager’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool this summer. A new report has now revealed the 39-year-old’s contract situation at Sporting.
Two Release Clauses and a Gentlemen’s Agreement
According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim has two release clauses in his current deal: a £25.75 million clause for Portuguese sides and another one worth £17.1 million for foreign clubs. However, the manager also has a “verbal pact” in place with Sporting that allows him to leave for only £8.5 million if he has an offer from a top club. Liverpool certainly fits the latter criteria.
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Unlike Xabi Alonso, who announced his stay at Bayer Leverkusen last month, Amorim hasn’t ruled out a summer switch.
Asked about a potential move to Liverpool, he said on Friday: “I can’t guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season. We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time.”
Which Other Clubs Want Amorim?
Liverpool have remained the front-runners to sign Amorim in recent weeks. However, the competition for the Portuguese boss could grow in the summer.
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Chelsea have reportedly identified Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi as their main candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. However, they are yet to reach a final decision on their current manager’s future. Barcelona might also push to sign the Sporting Lisbon manager if their efforts to keep Xavi fail at the end of the season.
