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Jurgen Klopp’s spell as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer is barely a year old, but the former Liverpool boss is once again dominating headlines amid growing doubts over his future.
The 58-year-old has already attracted intense media attention thanks to repeated links with the Real Madrid job, with Spanish outlets regularly touting him as a potential successor should the Bernabéu hot seat become vacant. Now, a new report from Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten suggests his time within the Red Bull empire could end far earlier than planned.
Klopp took up the strategic role on 1 January 2025, tasked with overseeing Red Bull’s global network of clubs – including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Bragantino – and helping to shape their long-term sporting philosophy.
However, Salzburger Nachrichten claims that the sporting development under his watch has “left much to be desired”, with Leipzig currently outside the Bundesliga title picture and limited visible progress across the wider group. The report adds that Klopp is himself dissatisfied, leading to serious talk of a “premature separation” despite a contract that runs until 2029.
Another factor is the sheer media circus that has followed Klopp into his new role. Red Bull insiders are said to be uneasy that their Head of Global Soccer now generates more headlines over potential moves to Madrid or a return to frontline coaching than for any tangible impact on the pitch.
According to Salzburger Nachrichten, the German is no longer viewed as the undisputed leader of the company’s football arm, raising questions over whether the partnership still suits either side.
In anticipation of a possible split, Red Bull are already thought to be sounding out replacements – and one name has moved to the front of the queue in Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian is set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season, and has previously worked as a sports coordinator and assistant coach at RB Salzburg
For now, it seems no decision is imminent, but the Salzburger Nachrichten story makes one thing clear: Klopp’s future in Salzburg is suddenly wide open.
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