Al-Ittihad are reportedly interested in making Jürgen Klopp their next manager, but at the moment, it looks more like a dream than a reality.
The Saudi Pro League side are looking for a new direction after the departure of Francisco Conceição, and Klopp is seen as the perfect fit, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
However, despite the genuine respect for the former Liverpool boss, no talks have developed and nothing is happening at the moment.
Klopp is happy in his role as Red Bull’s Head of Football, and those close to the situation believe it will be very difficult to convince him to return to everyday training in Saudi Arabia.
It is easy to understand why Al-Ittihad wanted Klopp. He is one of the biggest managerial names in world football, and his reputation remains huge after his time at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has turned Liverpool’s fortunes around
He won the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield, while rebuilding the club’s identity and connection with fans.
For a club like Al-Ittihad, appointing Klopp would be a big statement. It would raise their profile quickly, attract worldwide attention and send a message that they want to compete with the biggest names in Saudi football.
But looking for Klopp and actually finding him are two very different things.
The biggest problem is that Klopp does not seem ready to return to management.
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, he has made it clear time and time again that he enjoys life without the pressure of training every day.
He is now focused on his role at Red Bull, which gives him influence in football without the same stress and routine that comes with being a manager.
There is also a financial side. Reports suggest that Al-Ittihad will need more support from the Ministry to move forward with Klopp.
Without that support, the club cannot provide the level of financial package or project required to tempt him.
The German manager is unlikely to join the Saudi league
Klopp’s agent is said to have also blocked the idea of him taking the job in 2026, making the situation even clearer.
Al-Ittihad are right to praise Klopp, but this sounds absurd. Klopp is not the type of coach who comes back with just money.
You need the right project, the right emotional connection and the right time.
Saudi football can attract big names, but Klopp feels different. He left Liverpool because he needed a break from the pressure of management, not because he was waiting for a big offer.
For Al-Ittihad, it may be wise to pursue a top-class coach who is ready for the job now. Klopp may be a dream, but at the moment, that dream seems very far away.
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