Jurgen Klopp returns to football in shock announcement months after Liverpool exit

Jurgen Klopp will return to work in football in 2025, six months after leaving Liverpool, as he has agreed a deal to join the Red Bull network in a global role

Jurgen Klopp is set to make a sensational return to football in 2025, six months after his emotional departure from Liverpool. The German has agreed to join the Red Bull network as 'Global Head of Soccer' in their multi-club model, according to a statement.

Red Bull owns clubs in Germany (Leipzig), Austria (Salzburg), America (New York), and Brazil (Bragantino). "In his strategic role, Jürgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs' day-to-day operations but will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy," the announcement reads.

"He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches."

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Klopp had previously been linked with a swift return to coaching with the England and Germany national teams, but he has since dismissed those rumours. It's now reported that Klopp will be back in action from the start of next year, commencing his new role on January 1.

Interestingly, it's also suggested that a break clause in his contract could allow him to become the Germany boss in the future, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In July, Klopp hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the touchline for good, citing a lack of current job prospects. "At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs," he explained, adding, "No club, no country. A few people must not have heard this part. And it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if you said, 'I'll make an exception for you now.'"

Klopp also expressed his ambitious nature by saying, "I'm going to do some work. I'm too young to only do padel tennis and grandchildren. Will that be coaching again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let's see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment."

His positive thoughts on Julian Nagelsmann's term as national team manager were clear: "Everyone hopes that Julian Nagelsmann will do this for much, much longer than 2026 [World Cup]," he mentioned earlier this year.

On the topic of potentially replacing Nagelsmann, he expressed reluctance: "I would be reluctant to talk about football today because there is nothing to say. Rudi Völler is a very nice guy. He was put in the situation where he had to talk about it. But if Julian Nagelsmann were to decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club in Europe or Germany again - of course, then there is no way around Jürgen Klopp if he wants to."

Klopp is set for a reunion of sorts with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, who left Anfield to join Salzburg in the summer. Lijnders, a key figure in Klopp's backroom staff, has enjoyed a solid start at his new club, winning eight of his first 15 games.