Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has flown to the UK primarily for a meeting with West Ham officials, according to reports from talkSPORT.
Amid speculation linking Amorim with the Liverpool job following Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure, the Portuguese manager had reportedly held talks with the club earlier in the month. However, Amorim denied any communication with Liverpool, suggesting that a move to Anfield now seems unlikely.
With Amorim’s potential switch to Liverpool fading, West Ham could seize the opportunity, as the 39-year-old is set to engage in discussions with them.
The likelihood of West Ham requiring a new manager has increased, with David Moyes, whose contract expires in the summer, poised to depart at the end of the season. Former Wolves and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has also been touted as a potential replacement for Moyes, as reported by talkSPORT.
Amorim has made a significant impact in his homeland, clinching the Taca de Liga (Portuguese League Cup) in his first managerial role with Braga.
His success continued at Sporting, where he secured the Primeira Liga title in his debut full season, overcoming stiff competition from Benfica and Porto. Additionally, Amorim has claimed two more Taca de Liga titles during his tenure at Sporting.
Gabby Agbonlahor, a talkSPORT pundit who completed his coaching badges alongside Amorim, expressed confidence in the Portuguese manager’s abilities, emphasizing his dedication and focus during their coaching course in Northern Ireland.
Agbonlahor believes that any team acquiring Amorim’s services in the summer will be fortunate, citing his impressive track record at Sporting as evidence of his managerial prowess.
“Funnily enough, I did my coaching badges with Ruben, we did the fast track, Northern Ireland, Belfast course,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT earlier this month.
“He was one that was like, he was on it mate. Some people might have had a little laugh and joke on the course and stuff, he was on it.
“Concentrating in every meeting, all the theory part, when you did the coaching stuff on the pitch you could tell that he was on it.
“I’m sure that was like five years ago, he’s 39 now so he’s quite a young manager but I don’t see why not [he could become Liverpool manager], he’s doing a great job at Sporting, isn’t he?”
Amorim’s visit to the UK to meet with West Ham officials adds another layer of intrigue to his managerial future, with the possibility of him taking on a new challenge in the Premier League gaining momentum.
As the speculation continues to swirl, football fans eagerly await the outcome of these discussions and the potential impact on the managerial landscape of both Sporting Lisbon and West Ham United.