Liverpool manager target Ruben Amorim's release clause is lower than reported

Liverpool managerial candidate Ruben Amorim's release clause from his contract at Sporting CP is half what has been previously reported.

With Jurgen Klopp departing this summer, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the clear favourite to take over at Anfield.

The 42-year-old, who spent five years as a player at Liverpool, is currently leading the Bundesliga in charge of Bayer Leverkusen and regarded as one of the top young coaches in world football.

However, the Reds may not get a clear run at Alonso, who is also coveted by Bayern Munich.

The German giants are set to part ways with Thomas Tuchel this summer and have made Alonso their top target.

Reports claim that while Liverpool have already made contact with the former midfielder playmaker over a summer move, they have backup plans in place too.

Sporting CP head coach Amorim is seen as the next most likely man to succeed Klopp.

The 39-year-old, despite his age, has an impressive CV. The highly rated tactician won the Portuguese league in 2021, while his side are battling Benfica for the title again this season.

Previous reports have claimed that it would take €20m (£17m) to take Amorim away from Lisbon — a high price for a manager. However, according to David Ornstein the figure is actually far lower.

Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, the journalist said: “Ruben Amorim’s got a release clause in his contract.

“It was, I think a year ago when Chelsea spoke to him, it was up at €20m.

“Now I understand it’s €10m (£8.5m), which people might feel is low, especially if it was a player signing. But that is high for a managerial appointment, whether we like it or not.”

When asked recently about his own future, Amorim refused to engage in the speculation.

"I'm not going to dwell on my future, I've already said what I had to say,” the former Portugal international said. "Every time I talk about it the topic comes up again. I just want to beat Rio Ave and then we'll see."

Along with Alonso and Amorim, the likes of Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) and Roger Schmidt (Benfica) have also been named as outside candidates for the Liverpool job.