Ruben Amorim hope exists at West Ham United as David Ornstein shares fresh update
David Ornstein has given West Ham United fans hope that the club may still have a chance of securing the signature of Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old tactician has been linked with a move away from his native Portugal and is expected to leave Sporting this summer, with Liverpool and West Ham both among the clubs mooted as potential destinations.
However, despite Amorim’s chances of ending up at either side being branded as “unlikely”, Ornstein also revealed that the West Ham project does carry “some appeal” for the Portuguese, leaving the door open for a change in fortunes in the Hammers’ pursuit of the Sporting boss.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Ornstein said: “From what I was told, the potential of West Ham, the project there does carry some appeal for [Amorim]. That’s not to say that they will be Amorim’s top option [though].”
A glimmer of hope in West Ham United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim
West Ham’s desire to appoint Amorim ahead of next season – assuming current head coach David Moyes does indeed choose to leave upon the expiry of his contract this summer – is entirely understandable.
Amorim joined Sporting after a brief – but successful – first foray into top-flight management with Braga, helping the team win the Taca da Liga final against Porto.
In his first year as Sporting boss, he delivered the club’s first league title in 19 years alongside the Taca da Liga. His second season saw the capture of a second successive domestic cup title but a fourth-placed league finish.
This season, though, Amorim has guided Sporting back to the summit of Portuguese football and they are the favourites to claim a 20th league crown, given their position seven points clear at the top of the table, while a third successive cup final beckons – fourth consecutive for Amorim personally – against Porto on 26 May.
The expansive, possession-dominant style he employs would also prove attractive to West Ham fans, who have expressed their frustrations with the far more reactive style often seen under Moyes.
It remains unlikely – but the door is certainly not closed just yet.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made an offer to Amorim that was “considerably higher” than Liverpool’s.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.