Liverpool showing ‘concrete interest’ in Barcelona coaching target

Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season caused quite a stir at the club’s offices, who were in no way ready to look for this task during the summer transfer window.

The club was hoping to retain Xavi’s services beyond just this season, with the intention to build the project around him despite a ton of disappointment this season, including failing to win the Spanish Super Cup or properly compete in La Liga.

While the goal is to convince him to stay, Barcelona are also preparing a list of potential replacements should the former midfielder decide to part ways with the club nonetheless.

There are several names on their agenda, among which is Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, who has done an excellent job in the Portuguese league so far and is attracting the interest of a lot of top teams.

Liverpool particularly interested

According to a report published on Caught Offside, Liverpool are the team showing the most concrete interest of any club in Amorim.

Other teams could still enter the race, but it seems the Portuguese is Liverpool’s priority contingency plan for when Jurgen Klopp leaves the club this summer.

Amorim has been at Sporting since March 2020 after a three-month spell at Sporting Braga. He has led them to one Liga Portugal title since then, and is en route to a second one this season, with his team four points clear off Benfica with seven games left to play.

Amorim’s release clause stands at €10 million for elite teams courtesy of a verbal pact he has with Sporting.

What are Barcelona’s other options?

While there are a fair few names on the radar for Barcelona, they are hoping that Xavi will take back his decision to leave and continue at the club next season, as well.

Hansi Flick and Roberto De Zerbi are among the coaches being considered as high priority, with the former reportedly ‘very excited’ to take over the Barça gig.

Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, and Andoni Iraola are other managers that have popped up on Barcelona’s apparent shortlist, but are difficult to pursue due to several reasons.