Real Madrid choose Klopp Plan B: Shock hire is seven years in the making

Jurgen Klopp is far from the only name on Real Madrid‘s coaching shortlist, according to a report.

Los Blancos are widely expected to appoint a new manager after this season. Though Alvaro Arbeloa has a contract beyond 2026, the former Castilla boss is unlikely to keep the job unless Real Madrid enjoy a remarkable end to the campaign.

Klopp is thought to be one of the favourites for the impending vacancy, as several high-ranking figures at the club are in favour of enticing him to return to management. He is currently Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, having left Liverpool in 2024.

Rumours surrounding Klopp’s future have proliferated in recent days. It has even been claimed that the German is under pressure at Red Bull because the energy drink company’s clubs are underperforming this term.

This was emphatically denied by CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, but speculation persists. It is thought that only two coaching opportunities could tempt Klopp to return: Real Madrid and the German national team. It is believed that his contract contains a release clause for the latter.

Real Madrid’s Klopp alternative

However, there is no guarantee that Klopp will indeed become a coach again. Accordingly, Real Madrid are eyeing contingency options, and one name on their shortlist will be familiar to fans of the club.

Corriere dello Sport claims that AC Milan boss Max Allegri is once more under consideration. The Italian was already close to getting the job in 2019 and 2021. He ultimately remained in Serie A.

The long-time Juventus boss returned to Milan this summer and enjoyed a great start to the season. More recently, however, results have been inconsistent, which has allowed rivals Inter to go 10 points clear at the summit of the table.

This has given rise to the suggestion that Allegri could quit the club or even be sacked, but the 58-year-old went out of his way to deny these rumours at a recent press conference.

Nevertheless, his future is far from decided at this stage. There will be a thorough end-of-season review in the summer, and if either party is unhappy for whatever reason, the two could go their separate ways.

As things stand, though, Allegri is settled and keen to continue with the Rossoneri. Though he has occasionally been derided as a “dinosaur” for his outmoded tactics, he certainly knows how to handle a dressing room full of superstars, potentially making him a good choice for Real Madrid.

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Chelsea face Josh Acheampong exit threat as enquiry lodged

Celtic warned over star’s summer departure: The board will love the money!

Jurgen Klopp to return ‘sooner than expected’: Real Madrid ‘only’ club that can entice him

Arsenal receive official Pio Esposito message ahead of transfer offer

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store