Amorim release clause REVEALED as Alonso knocks back Liverpool

Xabi Alonso dealt Liverpool and Bayern Munich a crushing blow on Friday when he announced his intention to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bundesliga leaders are on the brink of a first-ever German title with the 42-year-old Spaniard at the helm and his work at the BayArena put him top of the list for both Liverpool and Bayern ahead of the summer.

With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel both set to depart their managerial roles at the end of the season, there had been a clamour for Alonso’s signature but the World Cup-winning midfielder has decided to stay put for another season at least.

READ MORE: Man Utd can sign an ELITE Eriksen replacement for €30m

Liverpool will need to look further down their list of potential candidates with new sporting director Richard Hughes officially taking up his position in June.

Among the potential replacements for Klopp are Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann.

However, one name appears to be emerging at the top of the list and it’s that of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim.

The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a league title back in 2021 and has earned plaudits for his player development.

Amorim renowned for player development

Under his watch the likes of Pedro Porro, Manuel Ugarte and Matheus Nunes became multi-million euro assets for Sporting and he is repeating the trick this term with the likes of Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Sporting are top of the Liga Portugal by a point, with a game in hand over second-place Benfica, and beat Estrela Amardora on Friday night.

Amorim signed a fresh Sporting contract back in November 2022 which safeguarded his future until 2026. There is a release clause in that new deal and, following the blow of Alonso’s decision to stay, Liverpool might well be buoyed by the figure in that contract.

Amorim release clause is €15 million

The Telegraph has reported that the fee to release Amorim from his contract is only €15 million and not €20m as previously reported.

Furthermore, that fee is believed to be set to drop to €10m if he stays until 2025.

“I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club,” Alonso told the press on Friday.

“After lots of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place to be for me.”