‘No disrespect’ — Former Liverpool ace issues Rúben Amorim warning amid Barcelona interest
Rúben Amorim remains the favorite to take over as Liverpool manager this summer. The Sporting CP boss, who has previously been linked with four Premier League sides, emerged as the new frontrunner to replace Jürgen Klopp after Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running.
Amorim has so far remained coy about interest from Anfield although Sky Germany reported this week that a ‘verbal agreement’ was already in place. Those reports are thought to be premature but there is no doubt the Portuguese has admirers on Merseyside.
The Reds aren’t the only ones to be impressed though. According to The Independent, Barcelona is also keen on Amorim and had identified him as the top choice to replace the departing Xavi this summer.
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The La Liga giants could rival Liverpool for his signature but former Reds midfielder Steve McManaman believes it should be a no-brainer for Amorim, if he has to decide between the two clubs.
“I don’t mean any disrespect towards Barcelona, but it is an absolute financial mess. Barca is an enormous club with a great history, but Liverpool is certainly the better proposition at the moment for any prospective manager,” he told Betfred.
“Barcelona’s salary cap is going to be cut again next season and when it comes to bringing in players, then you have to be a magician to balance the books there. Liverpool is in a far healthier position than Barcelona at this moment in time.
“Deco’s the sporting director, so it makes sense that Barca is interested in a Portuguese manager, but I think to go into that club at this moment in time would be extremely difficult due to the restrictions they’ve got, and the resurgence of Real Madrid if Kylian Mbappé turns up.
“If he does, Real is going to be even better next season. That’s going to make it even harder for any manager to excel at Barcelona.”
While Amorim is the leading candidate, the Daily Mail reports that negotiations are yet to open and Liverpool is still carrying out its research on a number of options to take over from Klopp this summer.
Liverpool.com says: Amorim is not going to be short of offers if he does decide to leave Sporting this summer. Liverpool and Barcelona are two giants of European football but are in different places off the pitch right now. While Barca does have some great youngsters coming through, financial issues mean any transfer dealings are likely to be minimal, if Amorim wanted to strengthen the squad.
