The Premier League’s managerial merry-go-round is spinning once more with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all potentially facing changes in the dugout.
A fascinating three-way battle has emerged for the signatures of some of Europe’s hottest managerial prospects – Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi and Simone Inzaghi.
Amorim has made a name for himself in the Portuguese top flight, earning recognition as one of the finest young managers not just in his homeland but across Europe.
Since joining Sporting CP in March 2020, the 39-year-old has led them to four major titles, including success in the Primera Liga, the Portuguese Super Cup title and two League Cup trophies.
Hungry for even more success, Amorim’s side currently lead the Primera Liga by a solitary point and with a game in hand over title rivals SL Benfica.
Landing another league title could pave the way for a lucrative switch to the Premier League, where he’d have his pick of three interested giants.
Unlike Amorim, De Zerbi cannot boast major success except for leading Shakhtar Donetsk to the Ukrainian Super Cup title.
However, the Brighton & Hove Albion tactician is also considered one of the finest managers in European football.
While many will credit the foundation laid by Graham Potter, De Zerbi’s arrival at the Amex Stadium has undoubtedly sparked a tactical revolution.
His innovative approach has transformed the Seagulls’ game, culminating in their historic first-ever European qualification last term.
This success has propelled him onto the radar of European giants, and speculation surrounding a potential summer exit from Brighton continues to dominate the rumour mill.
De Zerbi’s compatriot Inzaghi is another manager who could find it difficult to ignore the charm of the Premier League this summer, with Chelsea, United and Liverpool firmly on his tail.
The 47-year-old built up a reputation as a serial winner going back to his Lazio days, where he led the Aquilotti to the Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cup titles during a five-year stint.
Inzaghi’s trophy cabinet continued to grow after joining Inter Milan in 2021. He added two Coppa Italia and three Supercoppa Italiana titles to his name, solidifying his reputation as a serial winner.
The Scudetto is the only major title missing from Inzaghi’s hugely impressive resume, but he is on the cusp of clinching the Serie A title this season after his side opened up a 15-point lead at the summit.
All three managers would be considered perfect fits for their Premier League suitors. But Liverpool appear to have a different priority, with Xabi Alonso emerging as their primary target.
The Reds are expected to appoint a sporting director before naming a successor to Jurgen Klopp, and Alonso is firmly top of their managerial wishlist following his eye-catching exploits at Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool’s determination to land Alonso’s signature could open the door for Chelsea and United to land their preferred target amongst the aforementioned three.
Chelsea are keeping faith with Mauricio Pochettino despite his struggles this season, with the two-time Champions League winners languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League rankings.
The League Cup final defeat against Liverpool intensified pressure on the under-fire manager, but he may see out the season.
Securing a European spot remains the primary objective for Chelsea, which raises question marks about Pochettino’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
According to the Guardian, Amorim and De Zerbi are seen as potential replacements if Chelsea decide on a managerial change, but Inzaghi is also in the mix.
However, they will face competition from United for the Inter manager, with Italian newspapers reporting they have already enquired about his availability.
United’s disastrous season, made worse by their recent derby defeat to local neighbours Manchester City, has cast doubt on manager Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
Inzaghi appears to be their front-runner, but they are also keeping tabs on Amorim and De Zerbi, while former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is also highly regarded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.