Jurgen Klopp's contract as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer is reportedly under threat, opening the door for a spectacular return to Liverpool.
After nearly nine years in charge at Anfield, Liverpool manager Klopp announced that he wold be leaving the club following the end of the 2023/24 season.
The German admitted that he was "running out of energy" but added that he would never manage another English club other than Liverpool during his career.
Following his departure, Klopp accepted a job as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, essentially making him the overarching sporting director of all Red Bull football clubs.
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But it has now been revealed that Klopp's role is in danger, and that he is considering calling time on his Red Bull career early,
Klopp officially took office on January 1st last year, but since his arrival things at the Red Bull clubs haven't exactly improved.
As it stands, both Paris FC and Leeds United are battling against relegation, while RB Leipzig are struggling to secure a place in the Champions League next year.
As reported by Austrian newspaper, Salzburger Nachrichten, neither Klopp himself nor Red Bull are satisfied with the current situation and could therefore consider an early termination of his contract.
The report claims that should Klopp make it clear that he wants to leave the role and return to the dugout next season, Red Bull would not stand in his way.
Should this happen, it is claimed that Red Bull have already identified Oliver Glasner as their ideal replacement, viewing him as someone who is more than capable of taking on the role after he leaves Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
The Austrian manager has previously worked within the Red Bull system as the sporting coordinator and assistant coach at RB Salzburg, and also worked as interim coach at FC Liefering.
Although some would be quick to dismiss the report, it is worth noting that Salzburger Nachrichten was the first outlet to report on Klopp's appointment at Red Bull.
Could Klopp return to Liverpool?
If Klopp were to return to management, many would of course hope that he would make a spectacular return to Liverpool as newly refreshed and rested man.
With current Liverpool boss Arne Slot facing increasing pressure over his future given the club's poor form in recent months, it appears increasingly likely the there will be a vacancy at Anfield this summer.
However, Klopp has been asked about coming back to Liverpool on several occasions and, while he's not ruled it out, he has played it down, with his return when Liverpool legends take on Borussia Dortmund next month likely his only Anfield comeback this year.
Instead, it is perhaps more likely that Klopp could take over as manager of the German national team should current boss Julian Nagelsmann leave following the World Cup.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Football, Premier League, Arne Slot
Ben McCrum