Diaz could play key role should Liverpool look to left-field Klopp replacement

29 January 2024 , 23:50

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Diaz could play key role should Liverpool look to left-field Klopp replacement

Liverpool's managerial search could see them consider options across Europe with Ruben Amorim a left-field candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds already have an in should they want to pursue the Sporting Lisbon boss given he shares an agent with current Anfield star Luis Diaz. The Colombian previously plied his trade in Portugal with Porto before moving to Liverpool back in 2022.

Amorim has enjoyed huge success in his homeland, breaking the Porto-Benfica dominance to win the Portuguese title back in 2021 with Sporting, who are again sat top of the table. He's also claimed their domestic cup competition numerous times and is tipped to eventually lead one of Europe's giants.

The Reds have clearly admired his work with Sporting defenders Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio both on their radar, reports the Daily Mail. Amorim was linked with the Manchester United job several summers ago before Erik ten Hag was handed the role.

Klopp notified club chiefs of his decision to leave in the summer back in November, although it was only made public on Friday. Xabi Alonso has been earmarked as the early favourite following his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen.

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The Spaniard played at Liverpool for several years and has a strong bond with the club. Brighton's Robero De Zerbi is another man being considered. The Italian has enjoyed scalps over Liverpool since taking over at the Seagulls, where he's continued to see his stock rise. De Zerbi is being tracked by a host of top clubs but the Reds could be the first to make a move for the manager.

Ruben Amorim has continued to impress at Sporting Lisbon (Stefano Nicoli/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Alonso was quizzed on the prospect of taking the Liverpool job and said last week: “Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen. I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment. [It was a] big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jurgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration.

"I am really happy here. I am enjoying my work here. I am feeling each day and each game is a challenge. I am on a beautiful journey in Leverkusen. The next one, I don't know. I am thinking about where I am right now. I am in a great place and I am enjoying. Saturday is what really matters. I don't really care what is going to happen in the future right now."

Samuel Meade