Barcelona out of the race for in-demand manager wanted by Liverpool

With Xavi Hernandez unwilling to reconsider his decision to leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season, the Catalans have to stay prepared to replace him in the summer.

To that end, a host of candidates have been linked with a move, ranging from current Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel to Rafa Marquez – the head coach of Barça Atletic.

Another name that has been doing the rounds as a possible option to replace Xavi is that of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese tactician appears to be in demand as, apart from Barcelona, Liverpool, too, are interested in hiring him to replace Jurgen Klopp, while Bayern Munich are also keen.

Barcelona out of the race

Now, though, as per journalist Pedro Sepulveda, Barcelona are out of the race to sign Ruben Amorim as their manager in the summer.

This is primarily because the Blaugrana are in no position to pay his release clause amount to Sporting CP, which stands at €15 million.

Amorim, 39, has done a fine job since taking over at Sporting in 2020, even leading them to the Portuguese league title in 2020/21, along with several other honours.

Barcelona will not pursue Amorim. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

The Portuguese manager’s contract runs until 2026 and has the aforementioned €15 million buyout, which Barça will not consider paying, which is understandable given their financial situation.

It must also be noted that Barcelona sporting director Deco had previously dismissed Amorim as a candidate due to his lack of experience.

As such, Liverpool now appear to be the frontrunners to hire Amorim as manager at the end of the season.

What about Barcelona?

As far as Barcelona are concerned, their primary objective remains to try and convince Xavi to continue as manager beyond this season.

But if the 44-year-old does not agree, Rafa Marquez of Barça Atletic has emerged as a contender following his team’s solid performance in the Spanish third division this season.

Names like Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann are all under consideration as well, but do not generate total consensus.

More recently, AFC Bournemouth’s Spanish manager Andoni Iraola has also emerged as an option.