Barcelona to move for Amorim?

While Bayern Munich and Liverpool reassess their options after Xabi Alonso, until recently their primary target as they seek to replace their current managers, confirmed his stay at Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona are ready to take advantage of their hesitation and make their move for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, according to the Independent.

For Liverpool, Amorim is said to be an option preferred to Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, who has also been linked with both Bayern and Barcelona, and if the Independent are right in what they’ve said, the Catalans are looking to beat them to the services of the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician.

However, it should be said that The Athletic claim that Barcelona are still hoping to convince their current head coach Xavi Hernandez to go back on his announcement of leaving the club at the end of the season and stay put.

Barcelona were apparently considered favourites for Amorim while Liverpool and Bayern scrambled for Alonso, and now they’d like to get it done quickly before the competition becomes too serious. One of the reasons why they haven’t been able to get something done on that front before is Amorim’s release clause of €13 million, an amount the Barcelona board are reluctant to pay.