Madrid: Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the leading candidate to become Real Madrid's next manager and has a serious 'fascination' with taking on the role, according to a well-informed German source, and amid claims the former Liverpool manager has already set his sights on making a Newcastle star one of his first signings, according to OneFootball.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Real Madrid brutally parted company with Xabi Alonso on Monday, less than 24 hours after their 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final, which was played in Saudi Arabia. The 44-year-old lasted just over eight months in the hotseat and fell on his sword at the Bernabeu despite boasting a win percentage rate of higher than 70%.
And while Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa was placed in immediate charge on an interim basis, Real Madrid's hunt for their next manager is already firmly underway.
In the aftermath of Alonso's departure, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Klopp, who has worked as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer since January, is 'super-appreciated' by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, with the reliable journalist also claiming that a former Los Blancos boss is on the wishlist.
Knowing speculation about the move to Real Madrid was mounting, the 58-year-old, who spent nine years in the Anfield dug-out, moved to quickly deny claims he had already been contacted over the vacancy.
However, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has been like a dog with a bone over Klopp's chances of becoming next Real coach.
On Tuesday, he posted on X: Jurgen Klopp is a candidate for the head coach position at Real Madrid, should the club decide to appoint a new manager in the summer. As revealed on 11 December and confirmed again.
Understand despite Klopp's long-term contract with Red Bull and his strong identification with the Red Bull project, Real Madrid hold a major appeal for him. If Real were to make a serious move, Klopp would give it serious consideration.'
Now in a follow-up post on the social media platform, Plettenberg revealed the German's strong thoughts on a return to management.
He posted: 'Jurgen Klopp is seriously considering a return as head coach should Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer, as exclusively revealed. Real Madrid have always fascinated him.
'He is happy at Red Bull and has a strong identification with the Red Bull project, but there are at least two projects for which he would return if EVERYTHING fits: Real Madrid and the German national team. Klopp and Real Madrid - one to watch for summer 2026.'