5 potential destinations for Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool exit - ranked

  • Klopp will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season
  • 56-year-old will have no shortage of suitors at club level
  • Links to the German national team have been present for years
Klopp is heading for pastures new
Klopp is heading for pastures new / Lewis Storey/GettyImages
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Jurgen Klopp had the football world rocking with the shock revelation that he will depart his post as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

The 56-year-old is set to walk away from one of the top managerial success stories of his generation and, while he might be keen to take a little break to recharge the batteries, he's going to have no shortage of offers to return to work as soon as possible.

Here are five potential landing spots for Klopp.


5. Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez
The pressure is mounting on Xavi / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

Xavi returned to a Barcelona in crisis, steadied the ship and delivered some surprise silverware, but the pressure is back on after the Blaugrana made a huge step backwards this season.

If the former midfielder fails to turn things around by the end of the season, Barcelona might be unable to justify keeping him around, at which point they may find themselves infatuated by the prospect of hiring Klopp.

Can they afford to keep up in the bidding war? It's unlikely, while the media circus that always surrounds Barca might be enough to dissuade Klopp from heading to Camp Nou.


4. Bayern Munich

Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel's future is unclear / Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

Failing to win the Bundesliga is about as close to a sackable offence at Bayern Munich as anything you can imagine, and as it stands, Thomas Tuchel may be sweating about his future in Bavaria.

Bayern love hoovering up Germany's finest anything and Klopp is the biggest name on offer in the country. Expect plenty of conversations behind the scenes as Bayern start debating their next path.

While a return to Germany may appeal to Klopp, it's hard to see him betraying his Borussia Dortmund roots by joining the ultimate rival.


3. Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti recently signed a new contract / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Real Madrid love Carlo Ancelotti. They made that clear when they handed him a new long-term contract just a few weeks ago.

That being said, there remains a feeling that the 64-year-old may be approaching the end of his managerial career. A switch to international work has been suggested but Ancelotti may sense an opportunity to ride off into the sunset and gift Madrid the chance to land a huge name in his place.

Klopp has spoken of his love for the Spanish weather and warned of his inability to speak the native language. The chance to add one more huge name to his CV may just be enough to convince him to start taking lessons.


2. Borussia Dortmund

Edin Terzic
A return to Dortmund could be a dream for Klopp / Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/GettyImages

Edin Terzic's contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2025 but surely club officials will be tempted to make an early change and bring their favourite son back home.

Klopp turned Dortmund into Germany's best team - a height they have failed to match since his exit. After missing out on the Bundesliga title on goal difference last season, Dortmund have tumbled down the table this year and look a long way from competing for silverware.

Does Klopp fancy one final rebuild? He's a loyal guy and it's almost impossible to imagine him leading any other Bundesliga team. If he wants another club job, this feels like the perfect landing spot.


1. Germany

Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann's contract expires this summer / Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/GettyImages

Julian Nagelsmann's Germany contract expires this summer. Germany have spent years openly pursuing Klopp. Klopp has admitted he would be "honoured" to lead his national team. How can he end up anywhere else?

The stars may have finally aligned for Germany and Klopp, both of whom appear to have been waiting for the right time to link up.

International management may also be the perfect balance for Klopp, who is seeking both the excitement of work and the ability to relax. All signs point to Germany.


READ MORE ON JURGEN KLOPP'S SHOCK LIVERPOOL DEPARTURE

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