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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons Roberto De Zerbi has eclipsed Ruben Amorim as the new favorite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
The Athletic reports that Amorim's representatives are in talks with West Ham United. The west London outfit are making an audacious move to have the Sporting CP coach replace David Moyes.
Amorim was viewed as the frontrunner to replace Klopp but the source above claims he's unlikely to get the job. This means the Reds could have Brighton & Hove Albions' De Zerbi in mind.
De Zerbi's stock has grown at Brighton with the Italian coach guiding the Seagulls to UEFA Europa League qualification last season. He arrived at the Amex in September 2022 and has overseen 37 wins in 83 games with an exciting brand of football.
Carragher reckons De Zerbi is the new favorite for the Liverpool job. He suggested on X (formerly Twitter) that the Merseysiders' sporting director Richard Hughes wanted the Brighton boss while working at Bournemouth:
"Richard Hughes wanted De Zerbi at Bournemouth, so he must be the favourite if this is true. Ornstein doesn’t get much wrong tbf!"
Klopp is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and will end a historic nine-year reign at Anfield. Hughes and Reds' chief Michael Edwards are reportedly going to be brave rather than popular when it comes to finding a replacement.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave a glowing verdict of Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi
Liverpool's mission to find the right successor for Klopp continues to take twists and turns. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso emerged as the immediate favorite but their former midfielder committed his future to the Bundesliga side.
Amorim was then installed as frontrunner but talks never took place and it appears interest has subsided. De Zerbi looks to be the next candidate in the frame and seemingly has the backing of Klopp.
The outgoing Liverpool head coach acknowledged the entertaining brand of football De Zerbi has implemented at the Amex. The German said (via Reuters):
"The way they play, I couldn't coach that. It goes against my personality, but it's a good watch. It's very demanding on the players... On their day, they can beat any team. But the good news is we can do that as well."
De Zerbi sets Brighton up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that relies on patient build-up. He's overseen the development of rising stars Evan Ferguson, 20, Julio Enciso, 20, and Facundo Buonanotte, 19.
The Italian has previously coached Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk, and Serie A side Sassuolo. He guided the former to the Ukrainian Super Cup in 2022 and the latter to the Coppa Italia Serie C in 2016.
