Al-Ittihad dreams of Jürgen Klopp

Al-Ittihad is on the hunt for a new head coach. The reigning Saudi champions have reportedly placed Jürgen Klopp right at the top of their wish list.

Last summer, the club’s management opted for Laurent Blanc. On paper, it looked like a winning gamble, as the Frenchman delivered the title in his very first season. But after just four league matches—and despite securing nine points—he was shown the door. The decision stunned more than a few observers.

Several names are now being circulated as potential successors. According to Fabrizio Romano, Xavi, Luciano Spalletti, and Sergio Conceição are all on the radar. All three are currently free agents. The Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah has also confirmed these targets.

But that’s not all. According to some reports, Jürgen Klopp and Unai Emery are also among the options being considered. Klopp currently serves as director of football for the Red Bull group after leaving Liverpool in 2024, following a trophy-laden nine-year spell. Emery, meanwhile, is still at the helm at Aston Villa.

Klopp remains the dream target for Al-Ittihad’s hierarchy. The Saudi club hopes to appoint their new manager as soon as possible. One question remains: will Klopp be tempted to return to the dugout so soon—and, above all, in Saudi Arabia?

Aliou Toundé |

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