Jurgen Klopp could witness Liverpool sign one of his former targets this summer
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Jurgen Klopp reacts during the penatly shoot out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp was rejected by Leon Goretzka during his time at Liverpool(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Liverpool could sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer - almost a decade since Jurgen Klopp attempted to engineer the German's Anfield arrival. The 31-year-old officially departed Bayern Munich on Tuesday after the expiry of his contract, marking an end to his eight-year career with the Bundesliga champions.
The Reds have already clinched the signing of Spain international Victor Munoz under Andoni Iraola, who could look to improve his midfield options as he looks to transform his squad's playing style.
The Germany international - who was part of the four-time world champions' World Cup elimination on Monday - will now be focused on finding his next club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Goretzka's signing for Bayern in 2018 from Schalke also came by way of a free transfer as the then 23-year-old was also courted by Klopp who was in charge of the Reds at the time.
The former Liverpool boss was well acquainted with Goretzka's talents, having battled against him in the German league during his tenure at Borussia Dortmund. However, Klopp's interest wasn't enough to see off the challenge of Bayern despite the midfielder previously admitting that "consideration" was had over possibly moving to Merseyside.
Speaking to The Athletic in 2020, Goretzka revealed his admiration for Klopp and his leadership of Liverpool but said he had no doubt that joining the German giants was the right move. He said: "They were a consideration, of course.
"They’re a great club, and their development since Kloppo came has been amazing. We’re all a little proud of him winning the title. But I took a long time making my decision, and I was 100 per cent sure that Bayern was the right move for me."
Pascal Gross #13, Leon Goretzka #8 of Germany look dejected following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay
Leon Goretzka is officially a free agent (Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Goretzka won 17 major honours in his eight years at the club, including six Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy. His impressive haul at club level hasn't translated to his international career, with Germany failing to reach past the round of 32 in the last three World Cup tournaments.
Julian Naglesmann has come under intense scrutiny for his team's elimination as The Telegraph are reporting that Klopp is open to replacing his compatriot if the German FA (DFB) rip up his contract which expires in 2028.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Andoni Iraola the head coach / manager of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola could look to bolster Liverpool's midfield this summer(Image: 2026 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
View 3 Images
However, the report adds that any agreement that would see Klopp make his return to coaching would require compromise from the DFB. It claims that Klopp - who is the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull - is unlikely to spend weekends at stadiums to watch players at club level.