Amorim UNLIKELY to join Liverpool as West Ham enter race - Ornstein

Cameron Smith

• 22 Apr 2024 15:30 BST
• 3 min read

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is unlikely to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, according to David Ornstein, but a move to West Ham United has emerged as a possibility.

Amorim, 39, had previously been named as Liverpool’s most likely Klopp successor following Xabi Alonso’s commitment to Bayer Leverkusen, however Ornstein has poured cold water on a potential move to Anfield.

According to The Athletic reporter, West Ham have held talks with the Sporting head coach amid David Moyes’ uncertain future at the London Stadium.

READ MORE: Liverpool enter race for two Ruben Amorim favourites

The former Everton and Manchester United head coach led the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory last season, their first European trophy since 1965, but he remains under pressure despite competing in the top-half of the table once again this campaign.

West Ham are currently eighth in the Premier League table, but they suffered a 5-2 away defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday and Moyes faces the prospect of being sacked by the east London club.

As per Ornstein, the Hammers will not make a decision regarding Moyes’ future until the 2023-24 season concludes, but they have initiated discussions with Amorim as they prepare a contingency plan in the event Moyes is sacked.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Liverpool links

Julen Lopetegui is also reportedly under consideration by West Ham, although he is firmly behind Amorim on their wishlist.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Amorim had verbally agreed to join Liverpool this summer, but Ornstein has stated that such reports are wide of the mark.

What has Ruben Amorim said?

Amorim was recently asked whether he could guarantee that he will still be at Sporting next season. “No, I can’t,” he replied. “Sporting are dealing with their future and I will not go back on my word. First, we will win trophies and then we will see. We are on the right track.

“The future has been a long time in the making and we are outlining what it will be. I don’t want to dwell too much on the future. I owe a lot to Sporting and whatever has to happen will happen but there will be no pressure to leave because I owe a lot to Sporting. I am very happy here.”