Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp emerges as a target for Al-Ittihad

Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad are interested in appointing Jurgen Klopp as their next manager, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

However, people close to the situation believe a deal would be extremely difficult to complete, especially as Klopp has not managed a club since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. 

His departure brought an end to one of the most successful periods in Liverpool’s history.

Klopp guided Liverpool to their first Premier League title, ending their 30-year wait for the English holy grail.

Liverpool also lifted the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.

Klopp subsequently took on a new role as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, overseeing football operations across the company’s network of clubs. 

Despite taking up that role, Klopp has still been repeatedly linked with a return to management.

There were rumours circulating about a potential move to Real Madrid, which has resurfaced since businessman Enrique Riquelme decided to rival Florentino Perez for the club presidency.

Al-Ittihad are the latest club looking to tempt Klopp back to the touchline. The Saudi club is currently searching for a new manager following Francisco Conceicao’s departure.

While Klopp is viewed internally as the ideal candidate, there is widespread recognition that convincing him to leave his current role would be a huge challenge.

Financial considerations are also believed to complicate any potential move. 

Al-Ittihad are aware that they can’t provide the level of financial support needed to bring in Klopp and will need financial backing to pull it off.

Despite the speculation, club sources have reportedly played down suggestions that negotiations are at an advanced stage. 

Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, has also moved quickly to dismiss the rumours, claiming that there is ‘no possibility’ of Klopp managing Al-Ittihad this year.