David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed West Ham’s interest in Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim this afternoon.
The Portuguese coach was previously rumoured to be a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this summer. However, various news outlets are now reporting that the Anfield club will look elsewhere for a new coach.
It should be noted that West Ham attracting a coach of Amorim’s calibre is highly unlikely, especially with the prospect of no European football next season. The former Braga boss is highly regarded and is believed to be content continuing his work at Sporting.
Amorim has been approached by West Ham according to various reports
Additionally, there is the matter of Amorim’s release clause. Sporting Lisbon paid over £11 million to release the 39-year-old from his Braga contract, and it is understood that his current buyout clause is at least double that amount.
The West Ham board are not in the habit of spending large sums on compensation for managers, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where they would start. While hiring Amorim would demonstrate significant ambition on the part of the club, other available managers like Fonseca and Lopetegui are free and far more likely candidates.
Let me share a “secret” with you. On the continent West Ham is seen as a badly run club. To attract a top Manager one needs to offer him a fat contract and plenty of cash for the new players he will want to sign up. Is all money available? If not, then we’ll only attract a second row Manager, or somebody young who wants to show what he can do.