Confirmed by his agent: The three top clubs most interested in Klopp

Jürgen Klopp remains the most coveted coach in world football, with his agent confirming that Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all made formal approaches since the German stepped away from the Liverpool dugout in May 2024. Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, Marc Kosicke revealed that the Premier League giants were told in no uncertain terms that Klopp would not manage another English club, while Bayern came close to securing his signature on two separate occasions.

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jürgen had made it clear that he would not coach any other club in England,” Kosicke said. “These inquiries have not stopped.” The statements underline the enduring appeal of a manager who transformed Liverpool into domestic and European champions, and who is still viewed by rival boards as the archetype of a culture-changing coach.

Klopp’s current role as global head of soccer at Red Bull has not dimmed the enthusiasm of Europe’s power brokers. Kosicke described a deliberate shift in his client’s professional focus: “Jürgen has undergone a metamorphosis, going from being a coach with a broad perspective to taking on more management responsibilities.” The 56-year-old now oversees sporting strategy across a multi-club network, wielding influence from Leipzig to São Paulo without the weekly pressure of touchline combat.

Bayern’s pursuit is the most long-standing. “Bayern came very close to signing us twice,” Kosicke admitted, adding that “there just wasn’t the right momentum” to conclude a deal. The Bavarians’ interest stretches back almost two decades, predating Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund heyday and resurfacing during his trophy-laden tenure at Anfield. Each time, timing and circumstance intervened.

For now, a return to coaching appears remote. “At the moment, I don’t see that happening, because he is very happy with his new role and in this environment,” Kosicke stressed. Yet the agent offered a tantalising hint for the future: “Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the dressing room again.” That single line guarantees the speculation will never drift far from the surface.

National-team football has been floated as a potential compromise, offering shorter cycles and the chance to shape a generation of players without the relentless club calendar. Whether Germany or another country enters the frame remains to be seen, but Kosicke insists any decision will hinge on alignment with Klopp’s values and the allure of a “right project”.

The bottom line, reinforced by the persistent overtures from three of Europe’s heavyweight institutions, is that Klopp’s stock has not fallen an inch since his emotional farewell at Anfield. Protective of his bond with Liverpool supporters and energised by a panoramic view of the modern game, the former Mainz and Dortmast strategist has simply swapped the touchline for the boardroom—without relinquishing his status as the sport’s most impactful leader.

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