Micah Richards raises Rúben Amorim 'question mark' as Liverpool steps up next manager search

Rúben Amorim could face a big decision over his future this summer as he continues to be linked with the Liverpool job. Amorim is the favorite to take over at Anfield this summer, with Jürgen Klopp's nine-year tenure coming to an end.

The Portuguese has been coy about his future and dismissed reports last week that he had reached a 'verbal agreement' over a move. Liverpool is still carrying out extensive research on a number of candidates and is not believed to have made any approaches as yet.

Amorim's Sporting CP side went seven points clear on Tuesday night and is closing in on a league and cup double. After the match, he admitted his son has even asked him to stay with the club in the summer.

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It remains to be seen if Liverpool makes a move, or if Amorim would find the lure of taking over too much to turn down. For now, he remains the frontrunner for the post, despite only moving into management in 2018.

He initially started at Casa Pia before taking charge at Braga, where he secured the Taça da Liga (Portuguese Cup) in 2013. That earned him a shot at the Sporting job and he ended the club's long wait for a league title in 2021.

But despite his successes in Portugal, Micah Richards does have concerns over how he would adapt to life as a Premier League manager. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-Manchester City defender said: "I think the way he plays, tactically, he would be good.

"In terms of, 'Could he be good for Liverpool?...definitely. He’s really intelligent, he plays attacking football. He’s evolved as a manager as well and did well at Braga.

"Can he do it in the Premier League so soon? That’s the one question mark you would have. I’ve heard Liverpool fans saying they would like him, they like his style of football. But you just never know."

Other names linked with the Liverpool job include Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann, although Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reports the latter has held 'advanced talks' over a return to Bayern Munich.

Liverpool.com says: Amorim's stock is high right now with his Sporting side on the verge of an impressive double. He is not likely to be short of offers this summer and Liverpool may have to move fast to get him. The fact he has never managed outside of Portugal may be a concern but it would be a surprise if he isn't snapped up by a top European club.