Jurgen Klopp appeared to be finished with football management, but the iconic Liverpool manager has been linked with a stunning return to the dugout

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with an eyebrow-raising move to Atletico Madrid. The iconic Liverpool manager is currently the global head of soccer at the Red Bull franchise.

There were recent reports of dissatisfaction with his work within the company, with departing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner reportedly being earmarked as a potential replacement. While these rumours were rubbished by Red Bull, who stated they were satisfied with Klopp’s work, reports indicating a possible exit have reared their head again.

This time, Spanish outlets have claimed Klopp is being considered as the heir to Diego Simeone’s throne at Atletico. This would be an interesting turn of events, considering Simeone was sent off at Anfield in September and had to be dragged away from Liverpool supporters next to his dugout, after the Reds’ won 3-2 in the Champions League.

In the summer, Simeone will enter the final year of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano. However, Spanish television show El Chiringuito has claimed Klopp is in advanced negotiations about succeeding the Argentine.

They claim Klopp is speaking with Mark Rowan, who is the CEO of Atletico majority shareholders, Apollo. Considering how firmly Red Bull rejected the recent rumours around Klopp, they may be equally surprised by these reports from Spain.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, shut down the last rumours by saying: “This is total nonsense and completely unfounded.

“On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jürgen Klopp’s work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That’s where we are putting our full focus and our energy.”

When Klopp announced he was leaving Anfield in 2024, he insisted he would never take charge of another English football team. However, he did not say anything about the prospect of managing another club in Europe.

When Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid, the German was quickly linked with a move to the Bernabeu. The Premier League winner was also identified as a potential contender for the Germany national team job, if current boss Julian Nagelsmann leaves after the World Cup.

In an interview with The Athletic in September, Klopp insisted he was enjoying the new freedom he has away from football, citing the joy he has taken in being able to attend weddings and go to the cinema. However, he did seem to leave the door ajar in terms of a return to management.

When asked if he is certain he does not want to coach again, he said: “That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.”