Klopp’s Agent Confirms Man United, Chelsea Approaches After Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• Jurgen Klopp’s agent confirmed in an interview with Transfermarkt that Manchester United and Chelsea inquired about the former Liverpool manager after his departure from Anfield in May 2024.
• Klopp had clearly stated he would not coach any other club in England, yet these inquiries persisted.
• The agent’s statement: “Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.”
• Klopp now holds a global executive position with Red Bull, but interest from Premier League rivals remains strong.
• Speculation about Klopp’s future continues unabated, highlighting his status as a highly regarded, transformational figure in football.
• The approaches underscore Manchester United and Chelsea’s long-term planning for a coach with proven identity-building credentials.
• Klopp’s camp has responded firmly, reinforcing his loyalty to Liverpool and commitment to protecting his legacy at the club.

Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 21, 2026 – Revelations from Jurgen Klopp’s agent have reignited discussions about the German’s post-Liverpool career, confirming that Manchester United approached him despite his firm stance against managing another English club. The agent’s comments, shared in an interview with Transfermarkt, emphasise the enduring appeal of the 58-year-old, even as he transitions into a high-profile executive role with Red Bull. This development, first detailed by Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, sheds light on the behind-the-scenes interest from Premier League heavyweights following Klopp’s emotional Anfield exit in May 2024.

Was Jurgen Klopp Really Approached by Manchester United?

The core of this story stems from a candid admission by Klopp’s agent, as reported in the original article by Ian Doyle for the Liverpool Echo (https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jurgen-klopp-approached-manchester-united-33436166). In an interview with Transfermarkt (https://www.transfermarkt.de/news/view?id=475403), the agent stated:

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.”

This confirmation arrives nearly two years after Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, where he orchestrated an era of resurgence, clinching the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. Ian Doyle’s piece in the Liverpool Echo highlights how such approaches underscore Klopp’s magnetic pull in the football world. Despite his public declarations – notably in his farewell press conference at Anfield, where he affirmed no desire to manage in England again – clubs like Manchester United evidently tested the waters.

Football analysts have long viewed Klopp as a

“transformational figure capable of reshaping squads and club culture,”

as noted in Doyle’s analysis. Manchester United, enduring a turbulent period post-Erik ten Hag’s arrival, appear to have considered Klopp’s identity-building prowess amid their own strategic rebuild.

What Did Klopp’s Agent Say Exactly About Chelsea’s Interest?

The agent’s Transfermarkt interview, referenced extensively by Ian Doyle in the Liverpool Echo, explicitly names Chelsea alongside Manchester United. The full quote reveals persistence:

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.”

Chelsea’s interest aligns with their pattern of bold managerial pursuits under Todd Boehly’s ownership. Following multiple coaching changes – from Thomas Tuchel to Graham Potter, Enzo Maresca and beyond – the Blues have sought stability. Klopp’s rejection, however, remains resolute, tied to his deep-rooted affection for Liverpool and aversion to intra-Premier League rivalry.

As Ian Doyle reports, these overtures reflect

“how highly regarded Klopp remains across elite clubs.”

The agent’s words suggest ongoing dialogue, even if informal, pointing to Klopp’s elite status undiminished by his sabbatical from the touchline.

Why Did Manchester United Approach Klopp Post-Liverpool Exit?

Manchester United’s inquiry, as confirmed by the agent via Transfermarkt and dissected by Ian Doyle in the Liverpool Echo, speaks to their long-term planning ambitions. The club, grappling with inconsistent results despite heavy investments, has historically chased marquee names. Sir Alex Ferguson’s successors have eyed proven winners, and Klopp fits that mould perfectly.

Doyle’s article posits an “analytical standpoint”: the approach indicates United’s desire for a coach with “proven identity building credentials.” Klopp’s Liverpool tenure transformed a faltering side into European dominators, instilling a high-pressing “gegenpressing” philosophy that became a blueprint for modern football. Even after May 2024, with

United navigating their own rebuild under new ownership influences from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, Klopp represented a dream hire.

Yet, the agent’s firm rebuttal – echoing Klopp’s own statements – closed the door. Klopp had said in interviews post-departure, including with Sky Sports, that he needed a break from management, prioritising family and reflection over immediate return.

How Has Klopp’s Red Bull Role Influenced These Speculations?

Klopp’s current position as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, announced in late 2025, has not quelled the rumours. As per Ian Doyle’s Liverpool Echo coverage, interest persists because

“decision makers still see him as one of the defining coaches of the modern era.”

Red Bull’s stable – spanning RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and others – offers Klopp oversight without daily training demands.

This executive gig allows strategic input, aligning with his post-Liverpool vision of avoiding burnout. Doyle notes the irony: despite this role, Premier League suitors view him as available, betting on his passion overriding commitments.

Supporters and pundits alike debate whether Red Bull is a stepping stone. Klopp himself, in a Red Bull statement upon joining, affirmed his love for English football but reiterated no coaching return there.

What Does This Mean for Klopp’s Legacy at Liverpool?

The agent’s confirmation reinforces Klopp’s loyalty, as analysed by Ian Doyle in the Liverpool Echo. By rebuffing rivals, Klopp protects his Anfield legacy – one of eight major trophies, fervent fan adoration (“You’ll Never Walk Alone” chants echoing eternally), and a cultural shift from Brendan Rodgers’ era.

Doyle writes:

“The response from Klopp’s camp appears firm, reinforcing loyalty to his previous club and protecting his legacy.”

This stance quells fears among Liverpool faithful that he might tarnish his Kop End statue by managing sworn enemies like United or Chelsea.

Broader media echoes this. Coverage in outlets like the Daily Mail and The Athletic (cross-referencing Doyle’s scoop) portrays Klopp as untouchable, his decision a masterclass in legacy management.

Have Similar Speculations Surfaced Before?

Speculation around Klopp’s future “has rarely slowed,” per Ian Doyle’s Liverpool Echo report. Pre-departure links to Germany (Bayern Munich) and even the German national team swirled, but England remained off-limits. Post-2024, whispers of Barcelona or Real Madrid faded with his Red Bull move.

The Transfermarkt interview marks the first agent-confirmed English club approaches, amplifying debate. Pundits on BBC Sport and talkSPORT have dissected it, questioning if financial incentives or personal pleas could sway him.

Who Else Is Linked with Klopp’s Potential Return?

While Manchester United and Chelsea lead, Doyle’s piece implies wider interest. Elite clubs value Klopp’s trophy haul: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup. His interpersonal skills – forging bonds with players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – make him a cultural reset button.

No other concrete approaches are named, but the agent’s “these inquiries haven’t stopped” hints at ongoing feelers from Europe and beyond.

What Is the Broader Impact on Premier League Managerial Carousel?

This saga highlights the Premier League’s obsession with proven winners. United and Chelsea’s moves reflect desperation amid mid-table struggles, per Doyle’s insights. It pressures current managers like Ruben Amorim at United or Maresca at Chelsea, while elevating Klopp’s market value.

Fans react viscerally: Liverpool supporters celebrate the rebuff on social media, United fans dream unrealistically. Neutral observers see it as testament to English football’s global pull.