Barcelona Decides on Ruben Amorim as Xavi’s Potential Replacement

Barcelona will not follow up on interest in Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as the club continues their search for a successor to Xavi, a report in Spain claims.

Several of Europe’s top clubs are looking for new managers ahead of the 2024/25 season, and though Xavi announced his decision to step down back in January, Barca have been attempting to persuade him to stay.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are still preparing for the ex-midfielder’s departure and have drawn up a list of contenders to take the job in the event he does indeed leave. However, Catalan outlet SPORT report Amorim is no longer being considered as a target.

Barcelona sporting director Deco is an admirer of Amorim, but he and the club have been put off by his €20m release clause – a sum which would make him one of the most expensive managers of all time if triggered – as well as his lack of experience outside his native Portugal.

90min reported earlier this month that Amorim will likely be on Liverpool’s final list of candidates to succeed Jurgen Klopp. Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann are also among the leading names being considered by decision-makers at Anfield.

Amorim is closing in on his second league title with Sporting. They lead city rivals Benfica by a point in the standings heading into their clash at home on Saturday night, though Amorim’s men have a game to play regardless.

The 39-year-old has guided Sporting through one of their most successful periods in the club’s modern history having ended their 19-year wait for a title back in 2021, while they have also won a further three trophies since Amorim joined from Braga in 2020.