The Telegraph reports that Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has a £12.8 million release clause which could be activated by Liverpool at the end of the season. Amorim is one of the favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager. The release clause drops to €10m (£8.5m) in the summer of 2025. Liverpool could have an easier time negotiating a deal with Sporting Lisbon due to the existence of this clause, which was previously rumored to be higher.
The Mirror states that Liverpool would have to pay £12.8m to make Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi their next manager, the same amount as Amorim. With Xabi Alonso choosing to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, De Zerbi has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Klopp. Brighton are unlikely to let De Zerbi go cheaply, as they demand his full €15m (£12.8m) release clause. Barcelona is also interested in De Zerbi, but their spending limitations could make a move difficult.
Chelsea are expected to keep young players Alfie Gilchrist, Jimi Tauriainen, and Mason Burstow next season, according to the Evening Standard. Gilchrist is set to stay despite Chelsea’s plans to sign new defenders, and Tauriainen is considered a homegrown player and will look for a loan move to continue his development. Burstow, who has faced criticism for his goal-scoring record, remains highly regarded at Chelsea and may be sent on loan in the summer.
The Sun reports that Paolo Maldini and Hugo Viana are potential replacements for Dan Ashworth as sporting director at Newcastle. Ashworth could be moving to Manchester United, and both Maldini and Viana are among the candidates to take over at St James’ Park. Newcastle and Manchester United are negotiating a deal for Ashworth’s transfer, with the Toon demanding double the £10 million offered for compensation.
Overall, Liverpool may need to pay significant fees to secure either Amorim or De Zerbi as Klopp’s successor, with both managers having release clauses in their contracts. Chelsea looks set to retain their young players Gilchrist, Tauriainen, and Burstow for the upcoming season. Newcastle is in the market for a new sporting director, with Maldini and Viana being considered as potential replacements for Dan Ashworth. The managerial and player movements in these top clubs highlight the competitive nature of the football industry and the financial aspects involved in securing top talent.
