Surprise: Is former BVB coach Klopp heading to the desert? | OneFootball

Is former BVB coach Jürgen Klopp really moving to Saudi Arabia? Al-Ittihad is reportedly highly interested in the ex-Liverpool coach

The Saudi Arabian top club Al-Ittihad is looking for a new coach after the surprising dismissal of Laurent Blanc – and is apparently dreaming of a spectacular name: Jürgen Klopp. As the Saudi daily Al-Riyadh reports, the 58-year-old is at the top of the desert club's wish list. Italian transfer expert Rudy Galetti also reports that the former coach of Borussia Dortmund is among the candidates.

According to reports from Al-Riyadh and transfer experts like Matteo Moretto, other prominent coaches are being discussed: Xavi Hernandez, who has been without a club since the summer of 2024 after leaving FC Barcelona, as well as Luciano Spalletti (most recently Italy's national coach), Unai Emery (Aston Villa) and Sergio Conceicao (most recently AC Milan). Xavi is currently believed to have the best chances and is apparently already in initial talks with Al-Ittihad.

Ex-BVB coach Klopp apparently on Al-Ittihad's wish list

However, a move by Klopp to Saudi Arabia is considered very unlikely. Since the beginning of 2025, he has been Global Sports Director at Red Bull, where he is responsible for the sporting development of all RB clubs worldwide, including RB Leipzig. His contract runs long-term until 2029. Klopp has repeatedly stated that he has ended his coaching career. "I loved my job. But I miss nothing," he told Welt am Sonntag in June 2025.

Klopp can look back on an impressive career: In addition to Mainz 05, he coached Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, winning two German championships with BVB and, among other things, the Champions League, the European Supercup, the Club World Cup, and a Premier League title with Liverpool.

Despite the low probability, the connection between Jürgen Klopp and Al-Ittihad continues to make headlines. The Saudi club would definitely land a big coup if they actually managed to bring the former Champions League winner to the desert. Whether this will happen remains pure speculation for the time being.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.