Jurgen Klopp pencils in deadline for potential return to management amid continued links with Real Madrid and Brazil

Now serving as Red Bull's global head of soccer, the German tactician is fully committed to overseeing operations across the company’s football portfolio, which includes clubs in Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. Despite ongoing rumours linking him with the Real Madrid job, Klopp’s current priorities suggest his managerial comeback – if it ever happens – won’t be before next summer at the earliest, as reported by The Telegraph.

Having ended his nine-year tenure at Liverpool last season, Klopp cited the need to recharge and re-evaluate his personal and professional life. Sources close to the 56-year-old suggest he is thoroughly enjoying his new chapter, particularly as it allows him to strike a healthier work-life balance. It’s also understood that Klopp has recently become a grandfather, and that milestone has added further weight to his decision to step away from the rigorous demands of coaching.

Despite Klopp's apparent contentment, the Spanish media continue to link him with a possible future at Real Madrid. Recent reports suggest he is the top managerial candidate for Anas Laghari, a prominent figure who could potentially replace long-time president Florentino Pérez. Laghari is deeply embedded in Real Madrid’s financial and strategic landscape, having co-founded A22 Sports, the organisation behind the Super League project, and worked with Key Capital Partners to secure funding for the Spanish giants.

Klopp has never ruled out a future in international football. Over the years, he has expressed interest in managing a national team, with Germany being the most logical destination. However, he has also left the door open for possibilities with other nations, including the United States and England.

Given that the 2026 World Cup is expected to bring a managerial shake-up across several top-tier international teams, Klopp could re-emerge as a prime candidate. Whether that will be with Germany, England, or another major footballing nation remains to be seen, but such a transition would align with his preference for high-stakes roles without the non-stop grind of club management.

While fans of Real Madrid and other top clubs may hope Klopp is just biding his time before taking over another elite team, the reality is far more nuanced. For the foreseeable future, he is invested in a wide-ranging global football project at Red Bull, and his current chapter appears less like a temporary detour and more like a conscious pivot toward a broader role in shaping the future of the sport.