Klopp ready to negotiate Real Madrid move after making promise to Raul – report | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp’s future has become one of the defining stories of Real Madrid’s presidential election, and fresh information suggests there may be more substance behind Enrique Riquelme’s ambitious promise than many initially believed.

Following the strong reaction from Klopp’s representatives to reports linking him with the Real Madrid job, many assumed the matter had been put to rest. 

However, journalist Ruben Cañizares has reported that communication between Klopp’s camp and figures involved in Riquelme’s project has been ongoing behind the scenes.

Raul Gonzalez leading contacts with Klopp

According to the report, Raul Gonzalez has already played an active role in exploring the possibility of bringing Klopp to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Real Madrid legend, who would become sporting director if Riquelme wins the election, is said to have spoken several times in recent days with both Klopp and his agent, Marc Kosicke.

Riquelme has promised to appoint Klopp. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

One particularly notable detail from the report concerns the statement released by Riquelme’s campaign naming Klopp as its preferred managerial candidate. 

The journalist claims that Klopp authorised the publication of the statement and that both the German coach and his representative reviewed the text carefully before it was released.

The report further states that Klopp wants to avoid becoming involved in what has been described as the election campaign itself. 

Nevertheless, he has informed Raul that if Riquelme wins Sunday’s vote, he would be willing to meet on Monday and discuss the project in detail.

That distinction is important because it does not mean Klopp has agreed to become Real Madrid manager, but it does suggest he may be prepared to listen.

So what does this mean?

Klopp is willing to negotiate with Raul. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

One of the key reasons for the campaign’s optimism appears to be the structure of the sporting project being proposed.

According to Cañizares, Klopp has reacted positively to the idea of a leadership group featuring some of the most respected figures in Real Madrid history. 

The proposed setup includes Raul, Fernando Hierro, Iker Casillas and Vicente del Bosque, creating what the campaign has labelled a “legends project”.

The belief within Riquelme’s team is that this long-term vision could prove attractive to a manager who has always valued stability, identity and sporting planning.

For now, the possibility remains exactly that – a possibility. But if Sunday’s election delivers the result Riquelme hopes for, the next chapter of the Klopp story may begin sooner than many expected.