Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Mon 27 April 2026 21:30, UK

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Jurgen Klopp is among the main contenders to be named as the next Real Madrid manager in his first return to management since leaving Liverpool in 2024.

The German was in charge of the Reds for almost 10 years but left after expressing his exhaustion as a result of top-level management.

Since departing Liverpool, Klopp has served as global sports director for Red Bull, overseeing the likes of RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.

He is yet to show an ambition to return to management but the link to Real Madrid has appeared to gather pace as the season has drawn on.

The 58-year-old could yet return to be Liverpool’s next manager, with his replacement, Arne Slot, in danger of the sack.

Jurgen Klopp in Real Madrid running

Football Insider exclusively revealed in January that Real Madrid want to hire Klopp this summer amid their own management issues.

Xabi Alonso had been in the running to take the Liverpool job when the German left in 2024, but ultimately spent another year at Bayer Leverkusen before Carlo Ancelotti’s exit allowed for a return to Madrid.

The 44-year-old led Los Blancos to wins in 17 of his opening 20 games, but when the losses did come, they came in key moments.

Alonso was dismissed in January following defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking over on an interim basis.

The Spaniard is unlikely to get the permanent job in the summer, with several names thought to be in the running to replace him.

One major bookmaker has cut Klopp’s odds of taking the job to 5/1 in recent hours, with Mauricio Pochettino (9/2) and Jose Mourinho (5/2) among the other contenders.

Where does Klopp stand in Liverpool race?

Despite Klopp seemingly being tipped for a return to club management, he is not considered among the favourites to replace Slot at Liverpool.

Alonso leads that race – at 1/3, according to one major bookmaker – while PSG boss Luis Enrique and departing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola trail behind.

Klopp’s odds of getting the job are at 10/1, with the general feeling that he is happy to allow the Reds to forge their own path without him.

Should the German take up the mantle at Real Madrid, he could well return to Anfield in a different capacity next season.