It appears that Jurgen Klopp could be gearing up for a return to the sidelines following a somewhat unexpected managerial departure.
After a remarkable nine-year tenure with Liverpool, during which he secured their first Premier League title in three decades and a sixth Champions League triumph, alongside multiple domestic cup victories, the German manager departed from Anfield, primarily attributing his decision to exhaustion.
Since then, Klopp has taken on a role within the Red Bull organization, focusing on player development. However, there’s a possibility that he might soon be back in the managerial arena, specifically in Saudi Arabia.
Jurgen Klopp could return to the dugout for huge Saudi payday
Recently, Al Ittihad made the decision to part ways with their manager, Laurent Blanc, in a somewhat surprising manner, following a defeat against their rivals, Al Nassr.
Despite Blanc’s success in guiding the Jeddah-based team to a league and cup double in the previous season, and despite winning their first three matches in the Pro League this season, the club opted to dismiss him after the loss, a move that surprised many within the Gulf State.
According to reports from Al Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, as cited by Fichajes in Spain, Al Ittihad have identified Klopp as their primary target for the vacant managerial position.
Fichajes notes that “signing a star of his level is clearly aimed at restoring both prestige and stability to the Arab club.” However, they also suggest that this prospect might be a long shot.
Sources at FourFourTwo suggest that Klopp is still dedicated to his role in the Red Bull project and is currently enjoying his time away from the pressures of management. Nevertheless, it’s expected that any approach from the Saudi Pro League would involve a significant financial offer.
Considering Klopp’s expertise in the “gegenpressing” style of play, it might seem somewhat unconventional to see him managing a team where a considerable number of key players are over the age of 30.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano has stated that Xavi Hernandez, Luciano Spalletti and Sergio Conceicao are candidates for the job, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
RB Leipzig are currently positioned third in the Bundesliga standings after three matches, while Red Bull Salzburg holds the fourth spot in the Austrian league.
