Jurgen Klopp might prevent Liverpool from completing the £66m signing of a talented attacker by guiding the player to RB Leipzig, a report suggests.
Klopp has frequently hinted that his managerial career would end after leaving Liverpool last summer. Rather than continuing the pressures of top-tier coaching, Klopp agreed to take on the role of global head of football at Red Bull.
He will begin this position on January 1, and according to reports from Germany, one of his first actions could disrupt a major Liverpool transfer.
Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing PSG forward Xavi Simons, who can play both as a left-winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is seen as a potential upgrade over Dominik Szoboszlai in the latter position.
Simons is currently midway through his second loan at RB Leipzig, but his future will be decided next summer when the loan period ends.
In a recent article from The Athletic, Liverpool was mentioned as one of the “most probable destinations” for Simons.
“Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are seen as the most probable destinations, while Manchester United showed some interest during the previous market,” David Ornstein reported.
“But it also depends on the player and [PSG manager] Luis Enrique. If the coach wants to keep him and adapts his approach slightly – or if Simons returns and accepts not always starting – then he could stay.
“PSG view Simons as a golden opportunity either way; they either retain a top talent or trade him at a huge profit. Unless something goes badly wrong, his anticipated transfer fee is €80million [£66.6m] minimum.”
However, according to an update from BILD’s Christian Falk, Leipzig plans to use Klopp as their “secret weapon” to help keep Simons at the club.
Leipzig’s financial limitations mean they cannot meet PSG’s asking price, making Klopp’s influence critical.
“Leipzig are interested in keeping Xavi Simons permanently,” Falk told Caught Offside.
“PSG want about €80m [£66.6m] for his services, which is too high for Leipzig. I heard they were thinking about €50m [£41.3m] up front and then a further €30m [£24.7m] to PSG if they sell Simons to another club.”
Explaining Klopp’s role, Falk added, “Interestingly for Leipzig, they now have a secret weapon in the form of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who they could potentially rely upon.
“He’s starting his new role with Red Bull on January 1, and they hope he could be the man to convince Simons to stay. This will be Klopp’s first challenge in his new role.”
Latest Liverpool news – Nunez, Zubimendi, Alexander-Arnold
In other news, Arne Slot has backed Darwin Nunez to flourish despite his recent poor form and transfer speculation linking him to Atletico Madrid.
Sports Illustrated reported that both Nunez and Kostas Tsimikas are on Atletico Madrid’s radar. Diego Simeone’s team is also said to have had scouts watching Liverpool’s match against Girona in Spain last week.
Meanwhile, The Times revealed that Martin Zubimendi is now “open” to leaving Real Sociedad in 2025.
This change of heart has drawn attention from long-time suitors Liverpool, who TEAMtalk understands are preparing to make a second attempt to sign the talented midfielder in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Lastly, Trent Alexander-Arnold has hinted strongly that he intends to stay at Liverpool, following comments about playing under Arne Slot.
