Jurgen Klopp has reportedly agreed to become Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer from January next year. The German has been out of work since leaving at the end of last season after almost nine years as Anfield boss.
It is claimed by German journalist Florian Plettenburg that has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull and will start his new job on January 1, 2025.
Red Bull owns five football teams, with three high-profile ones in RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg, and in his new role, Klopp will advise them on all kinds of football matters, from coaching and playing philosophies to player development and recruitment.
It is reported that Red Bull's managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, was determined to get Klopp, and that Klopp's deal includes an exit clause should the Germany job become available. The 57-year-old is touted as a possible replacement for current incumbent Julian Nagelsmann.
Speaking during the summer, Klopp said that his days as a head coach may well be behind him, and accepting an advisory role with Red Bull tallies with those comments.
"As of today, that’s it for me as a coach," Klopp said in July. "I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world. Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.”
When asked if there were any jobs in the pipeline at the time, he said: “At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country. A few people must not have heard this part. And it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if you said, ‘I’ll make an exception for you now’.
“I’m going to do some work. I’m too young to only do padel tennis and grandchildren. Will that be coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment.”
Official confirmation of Klopp's new role will no doubt come in due course, with the Liverpool legend's football career set to resume outside of the dug-out.
