Liverpool hold talks with Paulo Fonseca as Ruben Amorim deal looks in doubt

Robin Bairner

Updated: 22 Apr 2024 21:44 BST
4 min read

Liverpool's search for a new manager has taken yet another twist.

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The Reds were dealt a blow last month when reported top target Xabi Alonso revealed he would be staying with Bayer Leverkusen.

Ruben Amorim appeared to be the frontrunner to succeed the departing Jurgen Klopp but the Portuguese tactician is now holding shock talks with West Ham, with the East London side looking to replace David Moyes at the end of the campaign.

It was reported on Monday that Amorim, 39, had taken a private flight into London to talk to the Irons with his Sporting CP side only two wins away from confirming their status as Liga Portugal champions for the second time since 2021.

Roberto De Zerbi and Arne Slot have been mentioned as possible candidates for the job on Merseyside but FootballTransfers in conjunction with Anfield Watch understands a new name is in contention.

Fonseca to Anfield?

Lille boss Paulo Fonseca is admired by those at the club and informal talks took place earlier in the season regarding the Liverpool manager position.

The Ligue 1 side reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League and are currently fourth in the table in France.

Fonseca has impressed since moving to Les Dogues, developing a number of youngsters while keeping the team competitive.

He has previously been coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, coaching the Ukrainian giants to three consecutive league and cup doubles during his time in charge.

Fonseca was strongly linked with Tottenham back in 2021 and was reported to have been a target for Newcastle United before they appointed Eddie Howe.

The Portuguese coach does well in knockout competitions due to his tactics and FSG will no doubt have leveraged their relationship with AS Roma for a character reference on the 51-year-old.

It isn't yet known whether he is the one for the Reds or simply one of many as they look to find the right many to kick off a new era at Anfield.