The whole soccer world was shocked to the core, especially Liverpool fans, when the club officially announced that manager Jurgen Klopp would be leaving the club. The German maestro had arrived in 2015 and, since then, created a special dynasty at the Merseyside club.
He helped the club reach back into their former glory, bringing the Premier League and Champions League back to Anfield. They have won every trophy possible to them, and Klopp has certainly cemented his status as one of the best in Premier League history. And now the club has to find a suitable replacement for him.
Surprising name speculated for Liverpool managerial role
Now that it is confirmed that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving at the end of the current season, Liverpool will have to make a tough decision. They will have to choose a new manager for their future, one that will build a sustainable project at the club for years to come. While the club hasn’t made anything official yet, a surprising name has joined the list of names rumored to fill the vacant spot.
That name is that of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, which is certainly not what many would expect. While many may not know him and criticize the possibility of him joining the club, he is actually quite good.
🚨 Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, who is wanted by Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp, will discuss his future in the summer.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 3, 2024
(Source: Teamtalk) pic.twitter.com/faBGuIyYGz
Amorim became Sporting’s coach in 2020 and managed to transform the team into one of the biggest in Portugal. Under him, they finally won the Primeira Liga title in 2021, along with two Taca da Liga trophies. His side has been very consistent, winning 132 games under him. He has also brought out many young talents, and his style of coaching is similar to Klopp’s. Perhaps Amorim could be a surprise successor to Klopp’s dynasty.
But the 39-year-old manager has a big contract with Sporting until 2026 and will not want to let go of their manager. They have experienced much success with him and are currently leading the league as well. If Liverpool do want to get the manager, they will have to pay out around €20 million to the club.
Top candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
But while Amorim is a surprising addition to a long list of potential successors to Jurgen Klopp, there are at least two other big contenders for the spot. The board is reportedly contemplating whether to bring in Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi or Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. The latter is also a legend of Liverpool, winning the Champions League with them as a player.
Under the tutelage of Xavi, Leverkusen is actively challenging for the Bundesliga trophy, with his side leading the standings. His team is the only unbeaten team left in Europe’s top leagues. They are also one of the most scoring teams, conceding the fewest goals as well. While Leverkusen will want to keep him, there is no doubt he will make a big move in the near future, being one of the most exciting managers currently.
🚨 Xabi Alonso has a clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract which would allow him to become manager of any of his former clubs – Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich – as early as next summer.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 12, 2023
(Source: Bild) pic.twitter.com/PvCQwHnjCN
Interestingly, Xabi has made provisions in his contract to join three clubs only, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Liverpool. These are the clubs he played at, and with the other two clubs secure with their managers, Xabi may get to take the helm at Liverpool soon. But he is fully focused on Leverkusen’s season for now. Being a legend of the club, there is no doubt that he is the favorite to take over.
Roberto De Zerbi is also another top managerial prospect in Europe, leading a small club like Brighton and Hove Albion into one of the most exciting projects. He has brought out the best in the young talents of the club, which is a feature the Reds will appreciate. His philosophy and playing style is also favorable to them, and he has already shown what it takes to dismantle big clubs like Manchester City in the past.
🚨 Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi are the first names on Liverpool's list to replace Jürgen Klopp. 👨‍🏫
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 27, 2024
(Source: @DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/TVgRRh65Gr
There are other names on the list, such as Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, but for now, the club is focusing on selecting a new sporting director. After that is done, the board will decide with the director which manager to appoint for the future of the club. The club will also have to face the possibility of many players leaving and will have to spend a lot of money into new players with the new manager as well.
For now, Liverpool will look into their next game against Arsenal tonight as they continue to push their Premier League title charge.
