It is said that Sporting Lisbon could suffer an exodus of players if manager Ruben Amorim moves to Liverpool. The 39-year-old has lately been the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer, following Xabi Alonso’s confirmation that he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
Sporting cruised to a 1-0 win over Famalicao, giving them a seven-point lead in the Portuguese league with just five games remaining. Amorim’s team, who will also take part in the Portuguese Cup final next month, are on their way to a historic victory. Double win.
Their impressive season has been led by three key players, all of whom are attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Arsenal is 25-year-old Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 37 goals this season for club and country.
Defenders Ousmane Diomande, 20, and Goncalo Inacio, 22, are also the most sought-after, with the Mirror reporting that Sporting are prepared for an exodus of players this summer if Amorim leaves.
Newcastle have had Ivory Coast foreigner Diomande on their radar since last year, while Portugal’s foreign stopper Inacio remains a target for Liverpool and could sign for Amorim at Anfield this summer.
Sporting have inserted buyout clauses into the contracts of the key trio, allowing Gyokeres to pay £86m, Diomande £68m and Inacio £51m. However, suitors are expected to reduce initial donations if Amorim withdraws.
Despite the speculation, the Sporting manager continues to play down rumours that he will succeed Klopp. Responding to the question of whether fans would prioritise the Portuguese name over their stay, he said: “Both, even my son asks for both. The point is for Sporting to be champions. That’s what the fans need and that’s what we’re fighting for. “
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