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Ritabrata Banerjee

Jurgen Klopp emerges as top target to replace Man Utd legend sacked after just four games as club aim to persuade ex-Liverpool boss to make shock return to management

J. Klopp
Al Ittihad
L. Blanc
Manchester United
Liverpool
Saudi Pro League

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a top target for Saudi giants Al-Ittihad after they parted ways with Manchester United legend Laurent Blanc after just four matches in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. Blanc was relieved of his duties a day after Al-Ittihad suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Al-Nassr, with Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo on target.

  • Blanc sacked at the start of the new season

    Former United and France defender Blanc lasted just over a year at Al-Ittihad, as the reigning Saudi Pro League champions sacked the Frenchman following their 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr. After guiding the club to a domestic double in his maiden season, Al-Ittihad started the new season sloppily as they crashed out of the Saudi Super Cup after their loss against Al-Nassr in the semi-final. The club also lost their opening match of their AFC Champions League campaign against Al Wahda. 

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    Klopp could return to management and replace Blanc

    According to Arriyadiyah.com, Al-Ittihad are eyeing a move for ex-Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp as they look to replace Blanc at the helm. The report adds that the German coach's on-field energy, attacking style and his proven ability to manage star players are what make him the perfect candidate to join the Saudi side, who boast of having big names like N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema. 

  • Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi on Al-Ittihad's shortlist

    Al-Ittihad are also looking at other top managerial candidates from Europe who could take charge. Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez's name is being explored alongside ex-Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti and Sergio Conceicao. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also on the Saudi club's shortlist.

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    Will Klopp return to management?

    Klopp parted ways with Liverpool in the summer of 2024 to take a sabbatical from management. He returned to football after six months, although this time he joined Red Bull as the head of their global soccer. Klopp has not hinted about returning to management any time soon and it remains to be seen if he changes his mind and accepts a new challenge  in the Middle East.