Ruben Amorim had looked the clear frontrunner for the Liverpool managerial job after the Reds missed out on Xabi Alonso.
Several developments later, however, the Merseysiders have re-routed and now appear to favour Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.
Portuguese football insider Pedro Sepulveda has since tweeted on X (formerly Twitter)
That the Reds are not prepared to meet the 39-year-old’s wage demands. Talks, as a result, are now set to collapse, with it understood that ‘the next days will be decisive’.
It’s a shame to potentially miss out on a man of Amorim’s potential due to financial demands.
That said, on paper, it’s reassuring to consider that the Portuguese head coach
And Slot probably have very little between them as Liverpool managerial candidates.
Both have limited experience in less formidable leagues in comparison to the English top-flight whilst transforming the title race in their respective countries into a three-horse race.
Liverpool might have found their manager for next season
Attractive, attacking football is on offer with both options and the pair appear to both be equally charismatic in their own way.
There’s further evidence of an ability to work within tight financial constraints,
Which will surely prove translatable to our circumstances in England.
Sources have told ESPN that Amorim’s determination to remain loyal to his 3-4-3 formation was one factor in Liverpool’s decision to opt for Slot.
The €15 million ($16m) release clause in Amorim’s Sporting contract, which runs until 2026, was less of a factor,
But it is still a considerable financial outlay for any club when coupled with salary expectations in the region of €12m-a-year.
But with Amorim reluctant to compromise his tactical philosophy, plus the cost of hiring him,
Any club that identifies the former Braga coach as their No. 1 target will have to factor in both crucial elements.
West Ham might yet return for more detailed talks than last week’s flying visit if, or more likely when, they part company with David Moyes.
However, former Real Madrid, Sevilla and Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui is another strong contender for the job.
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