Liverpool Next Manager: Ruben Amorim responsible for MASSIVE value increase at Sporting

Liverpool managerial target Ruben Amorim has been described as having a 'Midas touch' and has been credited with greatly improving the value of his Sporting CP squad.

The 39-year-old has become the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss this summer, following Xabi Alonso's decision to remain in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

Amorim, a former midfielder, is highly regarded for his work in his native Portugal, where he has won a league title and three league cups to date.

That silverware haul could increase by the end of the season, with Sporting CP top of the table and in the Portuguese cup final.

Along with a strong tactical acumen and winning mentality, Amorim has been regularly cited as a coach with a strong track record of developing players.

The likes of Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Manuel Ugarte and Pedro Porro all earned big moves off the back of spells under the Portuguese manager, while he has helped turn former Coventry front man Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe's most feared strikers this season.

Portuguese outlet Record has described Amorim, who won March's manager of the month award, as having a 'Midas touch' when it comes to developing talent to be sold for profit in Lisbon.

The article points to the a valuation increase of over €100m in Sporting’s first-team squad since the start of this season.

Citing figures from Transfermarkt, it is said that the squad was valued at €229.9m back in August, while they are now worth €339.9m thanks to their impressive, league-topping campaign.

Along with Gyokeres, the likes of Marcus Edwards, Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo are among the individuals to have seen their stock shoot up under Amorim this year.

'He won't stay in Portugal much longer'

One man who earned a big-money move off the back of Amorim's coaching is Fulham's midfield enforcer Palhinha.

The 28-year-old joined the Cottagers for £20m in 2022, having impressed at Sporting.

Discussing his old manager's ability, Palhinha has said of Amorim: "Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga.

"He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.

"The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal.

"He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands."

After beating Benfica 2-1 last weekend, Amorim's Sporting are four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Recent reports claim that Liverpool have reached out to the manager's representatives to discuss terms and have even offered a three-year deal.