Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s secret contract clause as Liverpool exit plan confirmed
Jurgen Klopp has openly discussed his future over the past couple of years, admitting he has plans to take a sabbatical once his Liverpool contract expires in 2026
It’s not something Liverpool fans want to think about, and for the time being, at least, it’s not going to be a concern.
But Jurgen Klopp has quite openly discussed his future in the press, pointing out that the days of someone like Sir Alex Ferguson managing for 26 years are long gone and that at some point in the future, he will be passing on the baton at Anfield.
The German has made clear when he intends to leave Liverpool, revealed the parts of the job he doesn’t like and has even discussed what he plans to do in the future both in football and in life in general.
Here we look at everything Klopp has said about leaving Liverpool, reveal what role a special clause in his contract will play, and look at his most likely replacement.
His plans to leave
As aforementioned, Klopp has spoken openly about his plans for the future and got the ball rolling as far back as 2019 when he suggested he was feeling the strain of the job and dropped the first hint that a sabbatical was on the cards.
Speaking to Kicker magazine, the German said: “I have absolute energy. But I have one problem. I can’t do a little bit. I can only do ‘all or nothing’. When I decide that I cannot do it any longer then I will take a break for a year.”
His comments caused no alarm bells to ring, but the sentiment became something of a theme when he was asked to discuss his future from there on. Klopp got bolder with his admissions, telling SWR Sport in July 2020 that he has plans to move back to Germany when he leaves Liverpool.
“Definitely to live, after my career. Most likely even to Mainz,” he explained, adding he’d spend “four [more] years in Liverpool,” before heading home. Back in Germany, he explained he’d “do nothing for a year,” but may consider going back into football management after that. “In five years the world can look very different again,” he concluded.
“I’ll take a year off and ask myself if I miss football,” explained Klopp. “If I say no, then that will be the end of coach Jurgen Klopp. If one day I am no longer a coach, there is one thing I will not miss: the brutal tension immediately before the game.”
And then in September of that year, the German told Einfach Fussbal: “When I leave Liverpool, I won’t take a new job the next day. That’s for sure. I will take a one-year break after Liverpool.”
When reading through his comments chronologically like this it feels as if Klopp has had enough and that he is desperate to leave Liverpool. But this is not the case at all. In December 2019, as he actively committed himself to the club for another five years – making this the longest time he’s ever spent in charge of one team – he revealed his love for Liverpool.
“For me, this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve,” said Klopp. “When I see the development of the club and the collaborative work that continues to take place, I feel my contribution can only grow.
“People see what happens on the pitch as a measure of our progress and although it is the best measure, it’s not the only measure. I have seen the commitment from ownership through to every aspect and function of the club you can think of.
“When the call came in the autumn of 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other; if anything, now I feel I underestimated that. It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains complimentary on both sides that I can make this commitment to 2024.” Klopp then went one better in April 2022 when he penned a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Anfield until 2026.
The German explained his wife played a huge part in his decision, admitting: “I stay for another two years. And not only me! No, all my coaches as well, which is the most important.
“Why? is now the question… because Ulla wants to stay! As a good husband, what are you doing when your wife wants to stay? You stay. That’s not the only reason, but it’s one of the reasons.”
A clause in his contract
As Klopp has made quite clear in his comments about his future, he plans to leave the UK once he cuts ties with Liverpool and returns to Germany. And it seems Liverpool are prepared to help Klopp in any way they can.
When Klopp put pen to paper on his new deal in December 2019, Liverpool ensured a clause was inserted in the contract, which would see the club help the German move back home once his time at Anfield has come to an end. Simply, the clause ensures Klopp’s move to Germany would be overseen by Liverpool to ensure it is a smooth one.
It is not unheard of for a club to help a manager – or a player for that matter – settle into a new area after they first agree on terms. Football clubs have been known to assist with everything from finding suitable schools for their children to sorting accommodation.
They do this to remove as much stress from the situation as possible, allowing their new signing to focus solely on the job they’ve been brought in to do. Assisting a manager’s exit however is a little unusual, but shows the bond and respect shared between Klopp and Liverpool goes both ways.
Liverpool
James Tarkowski breaks silence on ‘bizarre’ Luis Diaz offside incident after Everton’s loss to Liverpool
The final Merseyside Derby of the season certainly didn’t lack any controversy, as both sides will feel frustrated with decisions made.
It was once again a fiery derby at Anfield as the history between Liverpool and Everton was there for all to see on Wednesday night.
February’s fixture at Goodison Park was no doubt a hard game to beat but once again the Derby proved to be the best fixture in the country.
Arne Slot was left impressed with Everton as the encounter certainly wasn’t a whitewash by any means with Everton having some golden chances.
Nevertheless, it was Liverpool who took home the bragging rights, but this certainly wasn’t an affair without errors, one on which James Tarkowski has spoken out on.
James Tarkowski on Luis Diaz incident which affected Everton
It’s a bit ironic for Tarkowski to talk about errors after his poorly timed challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
In what was a decision which caused uproar, Tarkowski’s tackle was deemed ‘reckless’, but the centre-back avoided a red card.
But the defender shifted the focus on Liverpool’s goal, as in the build-up, Luis Diaz could be seen in an offside position.
VAR checked and cleared, which left Tarkowski scratching his head in a post-match interview.
“I was unaware he [Diaz] was offside, so he’s made me lunge for the ball. He’s affected my decision,” Tarkowski said.
“For some reason, whatever that may be, they decided to give them a goal, which is bizarre.”
PGMOL make decision on major error in Liverpool vs Everton
With these two errors both involving the Everton centre-back, it will be interesting to see how these decisions are treated further down the line.
Experienced referee Mark Clattenburg said Liverpool’s goal was offside, as the verdict seems to be pointing more of the way to Everton’s side of the story.
Well, the PGMOL haven’t revealed whether they made a mistake just yet, but have done with Tarkowski’s ‘reckless’ tackle.
The Times first revealed that the PGMOL made a mistake with Tarkowski’s tackle and believed he should have been red-carded.
https://x.com/_pauljoyce/status/1907715464794382673?t=YTUN49-BNzWI0Ma89zmMXg&s=19
Although Evertonians might agree with this verdict, both the fanbase and David Moyes will want answers on why Diaz’s goal stood.
Liverpool transfer news: Torres set for return as Richard Hughes opens talks
Liverpool have a rich history of strikers and but few come close to the quality the Fernando Torres possessed.
The Spaniard would link up with Steven Gerrard on countless occasions, stepping up when required and putting the finishing touches on statement performances in Europe.
When he left for Chelsea, the Reds pivoted over to Luis Suarez who became the club’s talisman, before Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez took on the responsibility.
However, with Jota and Nunez now struggling to deliver, it should be to no surprise that Liverpool are looking to reinforce their attack.
But while Fernando Torres is now involved in management, Liverpool are exploring different ways to bring the mighty ‘Torres’ shirt back to the hallowed Anfield turf.
Liverpool interest in a move for Ferran Torres
From time to time, the iconic Fernando Torres might make an appearance on Merseyside to play in the club’s legends charity match, however in this instance, the ‘Torres’ touted of a move is Barcelona’s finest Ferran Torres.
According to Fichajes, the forward is one of Barca’s more disposable players who might be sold to clean up the club’s accounts and to put them back on a level footing with financial fair play.
The asking price for the 25-year-old is around ¢40m and Liverpool are one of the clubs who are interested in a possible move, alongside Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Despite regularly sitting on the sidelines as Robert Lewandowski’s understudy, the Spaniard has 13 goals and three assists to his name this season, showcasing that he has the ability to deliver when called upon.
Torres had previously played at Anfield when he was a member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, although things quickly didn’t work out.
However, after nearly four seasons playing for one of Spain’s premier teams, a move back to England might be an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, now he is more equipped to succeed.
Liverpool will of course have other players in their shortlists who are perhaps higher up the list than Torres, but he is about to enter the prime of his career and around £32m would be a relatively risk-free transfer decision compared to the £150m rumoured cost to acquire Alexander Isak.
The report acknowledges that Aston Villa are the team that is most likely to get a deal over the line, with Unai Emery having already ‘given the green light to the operation’.
But when Liverpool come knocking, it can be an incredibly difficult to decline a club of the Reds’ stature and the prospect of regularly competing for the Premier League and Champions League might be too enticing to ignore.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans think they’ve caught what a Liverpool player ‘said’ to Trent Alexander-Arnold moments after the win over Everton.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was spotted with one player after Liverpool’s win over Everton.
Fans think they’ve spotted what one Liverpool player ‘said’ to Trent Alexander-Arnold following their big win over Everton.
Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 on Wednesday to move 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the game as he slotted past Jordan Pickford in the 57th minute, with David Moyes bemoaning the decision to allow the goal to stand.
The Reds secured a win and bragging rights over their cross-town rivals without first-choice right-back Alexander-Arnold, who was ruled out of the fixture following the injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Arne Slot deployed Curtis Jones at right-back, having played in midfield this season.
Jones delivered a stellar performance in defence as he helped his side keep a clean sheet.
After the result, the 24-year-old shared a warm embrace with Alexander-Arnold, who was in attendance at Anfield despite his injury.
And Alexander-Arnold immediately went to Jones, who had a conversation with his fellow Scouser.
They could be seen having a chat before the 26-year-old bursts out laughing.
Fans think Jones told Alexander-Arnold that he’s ‘taking his position’ amid the Liverpool star’s proposed move to Real Madrid.
https://x.com/asim_lfc/status/1907539421139751142?t=qcx0Upp2utG10S84Sz6IbQ&s=19
One X user wrote: “I bet Curtis said ‘I’m taking your position’ and they both start laughing.”
A second tweeted: “You could tell he was super invested in Curtis’ performance.”
A third added: “That’s his PR telling him to do all that, his head is gone long time back.”
Of course, Alexander-Arnold is out of contract this summer and seems to be close to joining Real on a free transfer.
He has spent his entire career at Liverpool, having graduated from the club’s youth academy.
Alexander-Arnold has made 349 appearances across all competitions, but this season appears to be his last in a Liverpool shirt.
Liverpool
‘I’m going to be quite ruthless…’: Neville on Curtis Jones’s chance of being a Liverpool right back
One of the surprise choices for Liverpool against Everton was that Curtis Jones was given the chance to start the game at right back, with Gary Neville sharing his thoughts.
Speaking on ‘Gary Neville Podcast’, the former full back said: “I’m going to be quite ruthless here, answering this question [on whether Curtis Jones has a future at right back].
“Look, there’s no doubt there are games where Curtis Jones could play right back.
“I think [Arne Slot] may even play Quansah on Sunday at Fulham, just purely because [it’s] away from home and the idea of doing a lot more defending, you’re going to get a lot more pressure.
“But I think the idea that Curtis Jones can play full back, I think remains to be seen.”
It was a competent performance from the Scouser who was playing out of position against a side that never really tested him fully.
A clean sheet and a victory in the Merseyside derby is the perfect way to demonstrate that you did play well and our academy graduate can certainly argue this case.
Curtis Jones may see a future at Liverpool as a right back.
With Conor Bradley injured, the decision was whether to play Jarell Quansah or our No.17 at full back, with Arne Slot clearly siding with the more offensive option.
As some supporters let their feelings about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s apparent decision to leave the club known, the other local lad could see a pathway into the side via his current teammate’s position.
We saw how the pair interacted with each other after the full-time whistle and it’s clear that there’s certainly a bond in place between them, despite all the paper talk.
The Sky Sports pundit didn’t see enough from the 24-year-old to say this could happen but we will only know if this is seen as a viable option, if he keeps getting played there.
Liverpool
David Moyes makes very honest Anfield claim and names two things Liverpool were much better at
Everton suffered a 1-0 loss against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
David Moyes rued Liverpool’s goal being allowed to stand as Everton’s unbeaten run came to an end.
The Reds earned a 1-0 triumph in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. Diogo Jota netted the only goal of the game in the 57th minute but it was controversial. Everton were adamant Luis Diaz should have been flagged offside for standing in an offside position when visiting captain James Tarkowski tried to clear Ryan Gravenberch’s pass. The ball fell to Diaz, who assisted Jota’s intervention.
Still, Moyes felt that the Toffees were second-best throughout the encounter. The visitors did have chances, though, with Beto having goal disallowed for offside in the opening period and spurned a gilt-edged chance.
But Everton could not go 10 Premier League games unbeaten and prevent fierce foes Liverpool from restoring a 12-point lead at the summit of the table. But given the Blues earned a 2-2 draw against the champions-elect at Goodison Park in Febuary, Moyes believes the gulf between the two outfits may not be as wide as he first thought.
The Everton manager said via the club’s website:“There are lots of things I’m happy with. The two games we’ve had against a team who at the moment are leading the Premier League [have been close]. And right up to the end, we were still in with a shout of getting something out of the game.
“Their goal is offside, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a mistake by the linesman or VAR or the referee, whoever you want to say. It’s quite easy to read as well, it’s not even a difficult one, if you ask me. But not surprised that decision at Anfield you don’t get.
“We had one or two good opportunities. Probably the bit where we were getting ready to make the opportunity to make the chance to score, we didn’t complete the final pass and we didn’t really make it as well as we should have done.
“But, look, I have to say, I think the players have done an awful lot of good stuff tonight. They’ve tried to stick up against a side who are a top side at the moment. Liverpool played much better tonight, much more aggressive, tougher than the first game. Maybe we’re just beginning to get a bit closer to them generally, and I think that over the two games the results have shown we’re not as far away maybe as we think we are.”
Moyes did, however, admitted Everton skipper Tarkowski could have been given a red card early in the game. The defender was issued a booking for challenging Alexis Mac Allister with excessive force. VAR checked the incident and did not recommend on-field referee Sam Barrott to review the decision.
On the incident, Moyes told reporters at his post-match press conference: “I thought at the time it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game, I mean you people are all asking for it and when you get it you want him sending off. You’ve got to be careful what you wish for, you know?
“I thought it was a brilliant tackle. But since I’ve seen it and I’ve come back in, I think that we could have been lucky that he didn’t get a red. It looked high. But it depends on the era you watch your football in. “To me, I thought at the time it looked a brilliant, brilliant tackle, and I think it probably was. It was the follow-through which looked worse.”
Liverpool
“Premier League Responds to James Tarkowski Controversy as Ex-Referee Slams VAR on Live TV”
The Premier League responds to the controversy surrounding James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby, releasing a statement to clarify why the Everton defender was not sent off.
The decision, which saw Tarkowski escape with just a yellow card, has sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.
Early in the first half at Anfield, Tarkowski lunged in to win the ball but followed through with a high challenge, catching Mac Allister on the leg. The Liverpool midfielder was able to continue, but concerns were immediately raised over the severity of the tackle.
A VAR check followed, but the officials upheld the on-field decision, allowing Tarkowski to stay on the pitch with only a caution. The subsequent free-kick, taken by Dominik Szoboszlai, narrowly missed the target, keeping the score at 0-0.
https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1907513057711902934
Ex-Referee Slams VAR Decision
On commentary for Sky Sports, Gary Neville described Tarkowski as “very lucky” to avoid a red card, labeling the challenge a “potential leg breaker.” Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking in the Sky Sports Soccer Special studio, echoed Neville’s concerns.
Commentator Peter Drury later confirmed: “We hear that Mike Dean, who is on the panel with Sky Sports News tonight, has concurred with you, Gary. He’s said that, in his view, it should have been reviewed and it should have been a red card.”
Premier League Issues Official Statement
The Premier League responded to the growing criticism with an official statement via its Match Centre Twitter account. The statement read:
“The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow-through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Despite the Premier League’s explanation, the decision continues to divide opinion. Everton nearly took the lead in the first half through Beto, who struck the post, while another effort was ruled out for offside after a close call involving Virgil van Dijk.
With VAR once again at the center of controversy, the Premier League faces renewed scrutiny over the consistency of officiating decisions in high-stakes matches.
Liverpool star commits future to his current club, signing a new five-year contract that puts an end to speculation over a summer move.
The Reds had been monitoring Gomes closely, but with this deal now in place, they will need to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
It’s shaping up to be an incredibly busy summer for Liverpool, with both arrivals and departures set to define the transfer window.
The club faces crucial decisions regarding three of their biggest stars—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—who are all entering the final months of their contracts. By July 1st, they will be free agents unless new agreements are reached.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club, but questions remain over others in the squad. Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz have all attracted interest from other clubs.
Whether due to contract uncertainties or concerns over playing time, their futures remain up in the air.
On the incoming front, Liverpool are keen on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but any deal will require lengthy negotiations.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is another target, though his club won’t let him leave cheaply. With so many moving pieces, the Reds risk a drawn-out summer window.
A Contract is Signed
One transfer saga, however, is officially over. Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, shutting down any potential move to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool had been actively tracking the Brazilian, believing he could fill a key role in their midfield.
Recent reports suggested that the Reds were engaged in discussions to explore a deal. However, with Gomes committing to Wolves, Liverpool will have to reassess their options. While this may be a setback for now, the club is likely to continue monitoring his progress.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club—but in this case, it’s a player they had hoped to sign, not one of their own. For now, Gomes remains out of reach, and Liverpool will have to shift focus to other targets as they shape their squad for the future.
Liverpool
What Sky Sports cameras picked up Trent Alexander-Arnold doing near the end of Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Liverpool moved a big step closer to winning the Premier League title on Wednesday with a narrow win in the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds knew a big night lay ahead having had a chastening week prior to the March international break.
In retrospect, a Merseyside Derby was the perfect way for Liverpool to bounce back and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
It was not a pretty win by any means but the Reds got the job done, Diogo Jota’s second-half goal winning the game.
Jota has been in the spotlight of late having had a torrid time in-front of goal recently. But the Liverpool striker has had nothing compared to the attention heading Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way during the past two weeks.
With Alexander-Arnold looking likely to join Real Madrid, the right-back has become a divisive figure at Anfield. And with injury ruling him out of Wednesday’s game, he was spotted watching on from the stands during what could be his last ever derby as a Liverpool player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoys Merseyside Derby
Given all the noise around him recently, you could not blame Alexander-Arnold for wishing to keep his head down and stay as in the shadows as possible.
However, the 26-year-old was watching on at Anfield on Wednesday, spotted sitting alongside Joe Gomez as the Reds recorded a big win.
With Liverpool winning 1-0 and the clock ticking deep into the six minutes of injury time, Sky Sports cameras panned to Trent watching on.
The right-back looked completely at ease, and smiled a slightly mischievous smile as the cameras hit him.
Without Trent or Conor Bradley, Arne Slot chose to field Curtis Jones in an unorthodox right-back position.
While the Liverpool academy graduate did well, Alexander-Arnold’s spot in the team should be secured if and when he makes it back from injury.
How did Curtis Jones do at right-back?
It remains to be seen exactly when Alexander-Arnold will be back in action for Liverpool. In the meantime it was at least nice to see him at Anfield for this one.
The way Trent embraces Curtis
#LFC pic.twitter.com/VS9E2ulqYI
— Asim (@asim_lfc) April 2, 2025
On the pitch, right-back has become a slight problem position for Slot as the end of the season comes into view.
Bradley is Alexander-Arnold’s natural successor, but with Northern Irishman injured and Jarell Quansah not a right-back, Slot turned to Jones.
On the whole, the Scouser did a good job. As you’d expect, he looked assured in possession and was rarely troubled defensively either.
One crucial intervention late on stopped a dangerous ball into the box and on the whole Jones can be pleased with his night’s work.
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