Jurgen Klopp unveiled as new Red Bull Global Head of Soccer

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer, with his role officially commencing on January 1, 2025. 

It's a stunning appointment by the energy drink giant, which runs clubs in Germany, Austria, Brazil, the United States and Japan and which recently took an ownership stake in Leeds United.

The 57-year-old is set to break his hiatus and sign a four-year contract with Red Bull.

"In this position, he will oversee the company's international network of soccer clubs," a statement on the Red Bull Content Pool read.

The position of Global Head of Soccer was previously held by another former Liverpool manager in the shape of Gerard Houllier but was vacant after previous incumbent Oliver Mintzlaff departed his role some years ago.

Mintzlaff, formerly a CEO of RB Leipzig, is now one of the three CEOs running Red Bull following the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022 and was desperate to secure Klopp's services following his Liverpool exit.

Reports first linked Klopp with the post back in May but were dismissed as 'nonsense' by all sides.

"In his strategic role, Jürgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs' day-to-day operations but will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy," the statement continued.

"He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches."

Klopp secured Germany job exit clause

There are plenty of Klopp allies in the Red Bull empire these days with ex-assistant Pep Lijnders in charge of Red Bull Salzburg and he took former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos with him when his appointment was confirmed.

Andreas Kornmayer, Liverpool’s former head of fitness and conditioning, has been appointed as Salzburg’s Performance Manager.

Liverpool have also done plenty of business with Red Bull, buying Naby Keita, Ibrahima Kontate, Takumi Minamino and Dominik Szoboszlai from the group and sending Stefan Bajcetic to Salzburg on loan. Bobby Clark also secured a £10m move to Lijnders' club last summer.

Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg additionally reported that Klopp has secured an exit clause with the Austrian company which would allow him to leave in order to succeed Julian Nagelsmann in charge of the German national team - another job he's been linked with.

One of Klopp's first tasks will be to sort out Lijnders at Salzburg, where things have quickly unravelled for the Dutchman.

“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this," Klopp said.

"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 that we have at our disposal.

"There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.

"Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more.”