When Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool in the summer of 2024, he was crystal clear: He needed a break.
Almost nine years at Anfield – plus seven years at Borussia Dortmund before that – had left their mark. The intensity, pressure and adrenaline had worn on the German. But football has its own ability to draw people back. And now reports have surfaced that Klopp is actually in discussions about a new role in the sport.
Read: Chelsea in ‘secret’ talks with world star – could be Xabi Alonso’s first signing
It won’t be as a manager. At least not anytime soon. But it does suggest that the man who has won the Champions League, Premier League and two Bundesliga titles – is far from finished with the game he loves.
Linked to Real Madrid – and Liverpool comeback
Before the latest developments, the 58-year-old legend’s name has been mentioned in connection with some of the biggest jobs in the world of football. Real Madrid kept popping up – and the losing presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme went so far as to promise his voters that he would bet on Klopp if he won. This was the second time in less than a year that Klopp was mentioned as a candidate for Los Blancos, after the club had previously parted ways with Xabi Alonso (now manager of Chelsea).
There was also brief but intense speculation about a sensational return to Liverpool after Arne Slot was sacked. But Liverpool eventually chose Andoni Iraiola – former Bournemouth manager.
Richard Keys with a great claim
Now beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys comes up with a new claim about Klopp’s future. In his current position as “Head of Global Football” at Red Bull, Klopp is in charge of the football operations of the energy drink giant’s club network: RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, RB Bragantino in Brazil and Omiya Ardija in Japan.
His contract runs until 2029. Nevertheless, in recent months, reports of internal conflicts have surfaced – fuelling speculation that he may be on his way out.
Lured by Saudi Arabia
The talks in question will take place with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. According to sources, the talks have progressed further than Klopp’s camp wants to admit.
Just one week ago, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, flatly denied the rumours. The statement was short and brutal: A transfer to Saudi Arabia is “completely out of the question”. However, according to Sky Sports’ transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, talks have resumed in the last 24 hours.
The role being discussed is also not that of a manager. Al-Ittihad supposedly wants Klopp as technical director – someone who will be in charge of the transfer strategy, not day-to-day training.
The window that “never” closes
Klopp has repeatedly said that he will not leave Red Bull until the transfer window closes. But Saudi Arabia’s window is different. It will be open until 12 October. This means that he can easily change jobs in the middle of the process – and immediately start recruiting for a club with a budget that is bigger than most others in world football.
Among the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, we find names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney and N’Golo Kanté. Now Klopp could be the next big profile.
Conclusion: Nothing is certain – but anything can happen
Whether an agreement will eventually be implemented, no one knows. But the fact that Klopp’s own agent rejected everything with “completely out of the question” just days before negotiations were supposedly resumed – that speaks volumes.
In football, “never in the world” has a sad tendency to become “all right” faster than anyone expects. And Klopp’s next chapter – whether in or out of the managerial role – may be closer than it seems.
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