Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been convinced to take over at Real Madrid when Xabi Alonso leaves, according to reports.
Klopp left Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 campaign as Arne Slot took over at Liverpool and led them to the Premier League title for the first time since 2020.
Since then, the German has found work as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, working with a number of clubs under their ownership, including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls.
Despite being fairly new in the role, Klopp has already been linked with a return to management, with Real Madrid being the latest club to be connected.
There have been rumors that former Liverpool midfielder Alonso is close to being sacked after a poor run of form, ending with a 2-1 win over Alaves last weekend.
It is understood there has been discontent within the dressing room regarding Real Madrid’s tactics under Alonso, and a defeat to Sevilla this weekend could reportedly spell the end for him.
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Further reports from Spanish website Defensa Central claim that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has ‘convinced’ Klopp to take over at the Bernabeu and ‘promises him two signings’.
The report adds: ‘A possibility that has been circulating, but which will not materialize in January. Klopp, through his representatives, has reportedly informed Florentino Pérez that he will not be signing for Real Madrid now. This has been confirmed by sources close to the club regarding the information they have about the German coach.
‘However, Real Madrid has also reportedly been informed that he is considering a move to the club in July.’
Klopp’s arrival ‘won’t come cheap’ for Perez as he’ll demand a top salary and he’s ‘outlined at least two key changes he considers essential to improving Real Madrid’s performance’.
Long-term Liverpool target Marc Guehi is one of the names he wants as a new centre-back, while Klopp would also like a new midfielder if he agrees to take over.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently provided an update on Guehi’s future, indicating Liverpool is “still a solution” for the England international.
Romano said: “The truth is Liverpool are still there. The deal was almost done, but it did not go through in the final minutes because of what happened with Palace.
“Liverpool is still a solution for Marc Guehi, possibly on a free in the January transfer window. I can guarantee there have already been two meetings with Bayern. Bayern could look for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, and English players are very comfortable there, as we can see with Harry Kane.
“Let’s see what happens with Upamecano because he is a crucial piece of this puzzle. If he decides to extend his contract, Guehi could be a different solution. If he leaves on a free, then Guehi could be a serious target.”
“There is interest from Spain as well, as Barcelona called and Real Madrid did the same, but at the moment, it’s not advanced. There are some rumors about Italian clubs, but I’ve been told it’s impossible for Italian clubs to make it happen. Marc Guehi is certainly leaving Palace, and the attention is serious. The Bayern situation is interesting, and it will be crucial to see what happens with Upamecano.”
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