When Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool in the summer of 2024, he was crystal clear: he needed a break.
Nearly nine years at Anfield – plus seven years at Borussia Dortmund before that – had left their mark. The intensity, the pressure, the adrenaline had worn the German down. But football has a unique way of pulling people back in. And now, reports have emerged that Klopp is actually in discussions about a new role in the sport.
It won’t be as a manager. At least not right away. But it suggests that the man who has won the Champions League, the Premier League, and two Bundesliga titles is far from done with the game he loves.
Linked to Real Madrid – and a Liverpool comeback
Before this latest development, the 58-year-old legend’s name had been mentioned in connection with some of the biggest jobs in world football. Real Madrid kept popping up – and losing presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme even went as far as promising his supporters that he would go all in on Klopp if he won. This was the second time in under a year that Klopp had been linked with Los Blancos, following the club’s earlier split with Xabi Alonso (now manager of Chelsea).
There were also brief but intense rumors of a sensational return to Liverpool after Arne Slot was sacked. But Liverpool ultimately chose Andoni Iraiola – the former Bournemouth manager.
Richard Keys makes a bold claim
Now, beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys is making a new claim about Klopp’s future. In his current role as “Head of Global Football” at Red Bull, Klopp is responsible for football operations across the energy drink giant’s network of clubs: RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, RB Bragantino in Brazil, and Omiya Ardija in Japan.
His contract runs until 2029. Yet, in recent months, reports of internal conflicts have emerged – fueling speculation that he could be on his way out.
Tempted by Saudi Arabia
The talks in question are said to be with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. According to sources, the discussions have progressed further than Klopp’s camp would like to admit.
Just one week ago, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, flatly denied the rumors. The statement was short and brutal: a move to Saudi Arabia is “completely out of the question.” But according to Sky Sports’ transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri, talks have resumed within the last 24 hours.
The role being discussed is not as a manager either. Al-Ittihad reportedly wants Klopp as technical director – someone to oversee the club’s transfer strategy, not day-to-day training.
The window that never closes
Klopp has repeatedly said he won’t leave Red Bull until the transfer window closes. But Saudi Arabia’s window is different. It remains open until October 12. That means he could easily switch jobs mid-process – and immediately start recruiting for a club with a budget bigger than most others in world football.
Among the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League are names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney, and N’Golo Kanté. Now Klopp could be the next big name to join.
Conclusion: Nothing is certain – but anything can happen
Whether a deal will ultimately be completed, no one knows. But the fact that Klopp’s own agent dismissed it all as “completely out of the question” just days before talks reportedly resumed – that speaks volumes.
In football, “never in a million years” has an annoying habit of becoming “all sorted” faster than anyone expects. And Klopp’s next chapter – whether in or out of the manager’s seat – could be closer than it seems.
