- Klopp will take on the role of ‘Global Head of Soccer’ at Red Bull from January
- He will advise clubs in their network on player development and transfers
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly targeting two Barcelona youngsters as his first signing since accepting a role at Red Bull.
Klopp was confirmed last week as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, a position he will officially hold from early 2025.
The role requires Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all football clubs at Red Bull – including Leipzig, Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.
He will have to advise the clubs on coaching matters, playing philosophy, development and transfers of players and head coaches.
According to journalist Sebastien VidalKlopp has already set his sights on including two players in Red Bull’s club network.
Jurgen Klopp has reportedly achieved his first transfer targets in his new role at Red Bull
Klopp is reportedly keen to sign Barcelona midfielder Aleix Garrido from the Red Bull network
The former Liverpool boss will advise Red Bull on player development and transfers
Barcelona youngsters Aleix Garrido and Noah Darvich have reportedly been targeted, with the duo believed to be one of the rising statistics to have graduated from La Masia.
The duo played largely for Barcelona Athletic, known as the club’s B team, but were tipped to break into the first-team setup.
Garrido has already made his first-team debut for Barcelona, with the 20-year-old coming on as a substitute under former boss Xavi last year.
The midfielder’s progress has been disrupted by injury in recent months.
Darvich featured throughout the Catalan giants’ pre-season campaign, with the 18-year-old also considered a highly rated commodity.
The 18-year-old was signed by Barcelona from Freiberg last year before going on to help Germany win the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Red Bull has previously had success attracting Spanish talent, with current Barcelona star Dani Olmo playing for RB Leipzig.
The German team also signed Barcelona academy product Ilaix Moriba in 2021.
Noah Darvich is another Barcelona youngster reportedly targeted for a transfer
Darvich is seen as a rising star and helped Germany win the Under-17 World Cup last year
Klopp’s surprise move to his new role at Red Bull came after he stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season.
He has since enjoyed a break from football after nine years as Liverpool manager.
Speaking about his new role, Klopp said on the Red Bull website: ‘After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to get involved in a project like this.
‘The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent we have at our disposal.
“There are many ways we can do this by using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learn from other sports and other industries.
‘Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor to the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs, but ultimately I am part of an organization that is unique, innovative and future-oriented. Like I said, this couldn’t excite me more.’
Klopp has negotiated an exit clause that would allow him to take up the German national team job – should he be approached.
