Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly joined Red Bull as their new Global Head of Soccer.
The German has been linked with several vacancies since deciding to leave the Reds over the summer, with Barcelona among those speculated to have made an approach before Hansi Flick’s appointment.
Klopp vowed last season that he would remain away from the touchline for at least 12 months before potentially returning to management, though he appears to have decided to step back into the world of football in a different capacity already.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Klopp has signed a long-term contract with the Red Bull group to become their Head of Soccer, with the deal starting on January 1, 2025.
In his role, the 57-year-old will ‘advise all Red Bull teams’ on a host of different areas of management, such as coaching, philosophies, player development and signing new players and managers.
Klopp will therefore be involved in ongoings at Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig and their Austrian sister club Red Bull Salzburg. The group also own MLS outfit New York Red Bulls and Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff is said to have been the driving force behind the acquisition of the former Borussia Dortmund boss, with his expertise on the touchline expected to provide a wealth of experience to each individual club at their respective levels.
The length of Klopp’s contract with Red Bull is unclear at this stage, though there is an option for the ex-Mainz boss to cut his stint with the company short if he decides to return to management.
An ‘exit clause’ has been inserted into his contract which would allow Klopp to become the head coach of the Germany national team in the future if he is approached for the role. Julian Nagelsmann’s current position is not under threat at this stage, but Klopp is viewed as a potential successor further down the line.
Throughout his time at Liverpool, the German manager was linked with leading his nation on the international stage but Klopp insisted that his focus remained on succeeding at Anfield despite the admiration from the German Football Association (DFB).
Rudi Voller, the director of the Germany national team, admitted earlier this month that there would be ‘no way around Jurgen Klopp’ if Nagelsmann were to decide that he wanted to return to club management.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk