Al-Ittihad's Klopp Dream Back on the Table: After Conceição's Departure, the Saudi Club Wants the German Coach Again

The Saudi Arabian Pro League champion Al-Ittihad's coaching search again begins with one of 21st-century football's most discussed names. Sergio Conceição left by mutual agreement on May 25, 2026, after finishing the team fifth in the Saudi Pro League. After this development, the club management, according to reports from both the Saudi press and British transfer expert Ben Jacobs, has brought the Jurgen Klopp scenario, which first emerged in September 2025, back to the table.

In September 2025, after Laurent Blanc's dismissal, Klopp was the main name on Al-Ittihad's "dream list." Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah had reflected the German coach as the "first-choice preference." Klopp's on-field energy, attacking football philosophy, and his experience managing star players like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante made him the ideal candidate. However, Klopp at the time told The Athletic in an interview "I don't want to work as a coach anymore," and talks did not materialize. Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that there were no real talks.

Has the picture changed now? Not exactly, but Al-Ittihad still seems determined to try. Ben Jacobs's news shared in March 2026 was that Klopp could consider leaving his Global Soccer Director role at Red Bull during the summer, but his target would be replacing Julian Nagelsmann for the Germany national team. Klopp's Red Bull contract is valid until 2029; agent Marc Kosicke has repeatedly rejected Real Madrid, AS Roma, Brazil, and Saudi offers as well.

Al-Ittihad suffered heavy blows during the Conceição period. Karim Benzema moved to rival Al-Hilal in the winter transfer window; this star transfer collapsed the team's attacking structure. End-of-season records: 22 wins in 42 matches and fifth place in the Saudi Pro League. The championship race was lost to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. Conceição may now be in talks with Marseille and other European clubs.

Al-Ittihad has other names on its shortlist for the new coach. Galatasaray's Okan Buruk and Filipe Luis (Flamengo) are two of them. Xavi Hernandez is known to be on Manchester United's target list as well. Whether Klopp will be included depends on how high an offer the Saudi club makes and Klopp's ability to break from his sabbatical life.

The economy is also a critical factor in this story. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) holds the majority stake in Al-Ittihad. The club has been linked with Liverpool stars like Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate; they also want to bring the former Liverpool coach.

The door is not closed for this dream scenario, but Klopp's personal preference and his Red Bull contract may cause Al-Ittihad to be rejected again. For the Saudi club, Klopp remains a difficult-to-reach but worth-fighting-for dream.

 Ben Jacobs