Liverpool were heavily linked with Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese boss took over at Manchester United, a new book has revealed
Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on October 25, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Ruben Amorim was a potential option for the Liverpool job(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Liverpool were interested in Ruben Amorim prior to his switch to Manchester United, according to revelations in a new book. The Reds actually viewed him as a potential successor at Anfield before ultimately landing Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
Following Jurgen Klopp's announcement of his planned summer exit from the club in January 2024, Liverpool's hierarchy began their search for his replacement. Candidates such as Xabi Alonso were featured on the shortlist for the position, but after the current Real Madrid manager declined the opportunity, alternative prospects began to emerge.
In a new book, 'Walk On: Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool', written by James Pearce, it is revealed that Amorim was the most frequently-linked figure to the Anfield role due to his achievements with Sporting Lisbon.
Pearce writes: "After Alonso publicly ruled himself out of contention, the name most persistently linked with Liverpool in the media was Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim, who was about to clinch his second Primeira Liga title with the Portuguese giants."
Howver, while the Reds were fans of Amorim's accomplishments in Portugal, they held reservations about his tactical approach and playing style, which wasn't considered suitable for the Liverpool squad.
Pearce continued: "Amorim was a serious contender and boasted the best record in terms of player availability. However, that was partly attributed to him working in a less intense league.
"There was plenty to admire but Edwards and Hughes had doubts whether his preference for a three-man defence would suit the squad he would be inheriting at Anfield. There were also concerns that his slower, less dynamic style of play might fail to energise supporters.
Ruben Amorim manages Manchester United during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on November 1, 2025.
The United manager was considered a top candidate for the Liverpool job(Image: Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"Hughes held talks with Amorim in Lisbon but the Sporting boss was subsequently informed that Liverpool were going in a different direction."
Liverpool ultimately went for Slot, who had clinched the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and reached the UEFA Conference League final in the 2021/22 campaign. Pearce added: "Slot was always the preferred candidate.
"They loved how his football connected with the emotional fanbase at Feyenoord, they felt it wasn't too much of a change from Klopp's approach and they knew he was well versed in working in a sporting director model."
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool celebrates after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
The Reds ultimately opted for Arne Slot
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While Amorim has seemingly started to settle at United, Liverpool's choice to pick Slot appears to have been the perfect decision for both club and manager. The Dutchman secured the Premier League title in his debut season and rejuvenated a Liverpool side that had only won the League Cup during Klopp's farewell campaign.
Slot splashed out a staggering £446million during the summer window and brought in some top-class stars including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Despite a recent downturn in results, the Reds appeared to rediscover their magic on Tuesday evening with a 1-0 triumph over old adversaries Real Madrid.