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
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
There has been plenty of focus on Liverpool’s out-of-contract trio.
The futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been a significant talking point throughout the season. That is despite the Reds hurtling towards the Premier League title. While victories have been cherished, there has been concern in the background among supporters that their three chief players could depart at the end of their respective contracts in the summer.
Certainly, it appears that Alexander-Arnold will depart. The right-back has been in talks with Real Madrid over a free transfer. After last Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Fulham, Virgil van Dijk admitted that there has been progress over talks about extending his Anfield stay. That will be welcome news to fans. Salah, meanwhile, has fired 32 goals in all competitions has showed few signs of slowing down aged 32 throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
But if Liverpool are to continue to compete for silverware next season and beyond, they need a core group of players. This summer is set to be significant in terms of recruitment yet continuity will be important.
Another key player in the Reds’ run towards a record-equalling 20th Premier League title has been Ibrahima Konate. The France international has been van Dijk’s regular centre-back partner, with Liverpool conceding 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures this season.
Konate has been at Anfield since his £36 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021. He has made a total of 126 appearances, scoring five goals and won three major trophies so far. Still aged 25, the former Sochaux defender is very much about to enter the peak years of his career.
Konate’s current contract culminates in June 2026 and there have been talks about penning fresh terms. Speaking before a Champions League victory over Lille earlier this campaign, he said: “It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool. Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation.”
The Parisian has been linked with several clubs across Europe. Konate is a boyhood Paris Saint-Germain fan and it was claimed by ESPN in February that he would be open to a return to the French capital to become a long-term partner for Marquinhos at centre-back.
In addition, Real Madrid have been suggested as a potential suitor. Los Blancos have had injuries to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger this season.
Liverpool
‘I’m worried about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – it would have been different when I was at Liverpool’
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are yet to make a decision on their futures as their contracts tick down, and one former Liverpool star is getting worried.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s worried about Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s form as uncertainty continues over their futures.
As things stand, both will become free agents in the summer as their contracts expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in the same boat, although the right-back looks to be nearing a move to Real Madrid.
What’s in store for Van Dijk and Salah is still unknown, although there may be an answer on the former soon, with the Reds captain revealing there has been “progress” on his discussions with the club. What’s more, he has hinted that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
The defender has given his clearest indication yet that he could be set to remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season, with talks continuing over a new deal for the 33-year-old.
Virgil van Dijk has revealed he and Liverpool have made “progress” in their negotiations over a new contract.
The Liverpool skipper is one of three high-profile figures who could walk away for free this summer – along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. The contract sagas surrounding the trio have dominated the news agenda this season, with Arne Slot repeatedly asked about their futures over the campaign.
He has tended to steer clear of those discussions, often stating there has been no update. Van Dijk, who stops to speak to the media after every game, usually deploys a similar approach, reiterating that he is calm about the situation and there have been no major developments.
As recently as last month, Van Dijk said he had “no idea” if he would remain at Liverpool beyond this season, and it makes Sunday’s change of tact so intriguing, perhaps suggesting a resolution could be reached soon. Asked about his contract situation after the 3-2 defeat against Fulham, Van Dijk replied: “There is progress, yeah.”
Pushed on the details of those talks and whether he’ll stay beyond the end of the season, the Dutchman said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. These are internal discussions and we’ll see.
Those remarks come just days after Van Dijk gave his clearest indication yet that he could stay beyond the summer.
“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s positive or not,” the defender said, when asked last week if he had played his final Merseyside derby. “I have no idea at this point, well I don’t know. I mentioned it many times before, I said I am calm.
“Like I said also many times before, you know I love the club, and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool. At this stage, I’m not really panicking whatsoever, so let’s see.”
Ensuring Van Dijk remains next season could be key ahead of what feels increasingly like a summer of major change at Anfield. Slot made just one signing last year – and Federico Chiesa is yet to start a Premier League game for the club since joining.
After 12 months in charge, several additions are expected this summer, with Jamie Carragher last week calling for six new arrivals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Sorting out the futures of Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah will be the first assignment for Slot and director of football Richard Hughes, before attention turns to recruitment.
Van Dijk has played every minute for the Reds this season and looks set to collect a second Premier League winners’ medal of his career at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool
‘Arrogance’ – Paul Scholes picks out Liverpool star who may be responsible for ‘sloppiness creeping in’
Liverpool fell to a 3-2 loss against Fulham and were left to rue the defensive errors they made.
Paul Scholes has claimed that Liverpool have become ‘arrogant’ in the run-in towards claiming the Premier League title.
The Reds are 11 points clear at the top of the table. But their form recently has dropped and have lost three of their previous four games in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage – their maiden reverse away from home this season.
Liverpool conceded three goals in 14 first-half minutes in West London, with each being a defensive error. The Reds missed the chance to put more distance between themselves and second-placed Arsenal, with 11 points needed from the final seven games to claim the top-flight crown.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz’s third goal for Fulham, while the Liverpool centre-back got away with an error in the first half of the Merseyside derby win against Everton when Beto hit the post. Scholes, who won the Premier League title 11 times with Manchester United, believes that ‘sloppiness’ is stemming from van Dijk.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former England midfielder said: ‘It [the title race] could be prolonged. You’d expect them to beat West Ham and Leicester City. You just need someone a bit closer to them. Arsenal have to be kicking themselves because this was a real opportunity, obviously with Man City not having the quality you’d expect in the title race.
“If Arsenal were a bit closer it could have got a bit shaky for Liverpool. It still could if Arsenal win all their games – you can’t think Arsenal are going to win all their games especially with the two Real Madrid games coming up.
“But Liverpool are going to limp over the line looking at today’s performance. I sense a bit of arrogance about them as if “you shouldn’t be able to land a finger on us today. You shouldn’t be able to beat us,” and I think they’ve shown that in the last few weeks.
“A bit of sloppiness creeping in and I think it comes from the captain [Van Dijk]. I think he really needs to make sure that there’s a proper determination to get over the line as soon as possible.”
Liverpool head coach Slot defended the recent form of his skipper van Dijk after the game, however. Slot told reporters at his post-match press conference: “Van Dijk is not the first player to find it difficult to defend against Beto. And the one that played here today, you have to give credit to him also.
I still see a lot of things that Virgil does really well, but if you play 50-60 games a season, there will be moments, even for him, where you could have done better.”
Liverpool
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after shock Fulham defeat and know who they want to replace him
Liverpool fans want a player sold ASAP following their shock defeat to Fulham and know who they want to replace him.
Liverpool suffered just their second league defeat of the season as they were humbled by Fulham, who ran out 3-2 winners at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance. Ryan Sessegnon levelled proceedings before two quick-fire goals put the hosts 3-1 ahead before the break.
Alex Iwobi scored his side’s second before Rodrigo Muniz added a third.
Luis Diaz pulled one back in the second-half as the visitors were condemned to their second defeat of their Premier League campaign.
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after Fulham defeat
Liverpool’s first-half capitulation got fans online talking as they think it’s time to address ‘the elephant in the room’.
They also aimed their frustration at Andy Robertson, who was at fault for Iwobi’s goal.
He attempted a woeful cross-field ball before failing to clear his lines.
One X user wrote: “Well, that’s the nail in the coffin of Andy Robertson’s time as a starter at LFC.”
A second slammed: “It’s a f**king disgrace Robertson wasn’t replaced in the summer. Absolutely outrageous having to put up with this.”
A third added: “Robertson has genuinely been at fault for so many goals this season, all from mistakes.”
Liverpool fans know who they want as replacement
Liverpool fans already know who they want to replace Robertson, who has been at the club since 2017.
Supporters on social media called for Liverpool to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez this summer.
Kerkez has starred for the Cherries this season, producing heroics from the left flank.
The 21-year-old could slot in Liverpool’s backline from the start, having already proved he can operate in the Premier League.
One fan said: “Jesus Christ Robertson is so washed my god get me Kerkez ASAP.”
A second commented: “Give Bournemouth whatever they want for Kerkez. Robertson is worse than useless.”
Another wrote: “Robertson simply needs to be back up left back at most next season. Kerkez come on down.”
Liverpool suffered only their second Premier League defeat of the season after a 3-2 loss against Fulham.
The Reds were completely outplayed in west London as Marco Silva’s side fought back from Alexis Mac Allister’s fantastic opener for Liverpool to secure a famous win at Craven Cottage, with Arne Slot’s side simply not at the races.
With Alisson Becker once again missing for Liverpool due to concussion protocol, the Anfield side were not at full strength with Trent Alexander-Arnold also recovering from injury, with Fulham all over the Reds despite going a goal down.
And former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison was left fuming by one moment from Andy Robertson after today’s loss against Fulham.
Andy Robertson criticised after ‘horrendous’ error leading to Fulham goal
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Scotland international was very critical of Robertson after the Liverpool defender gifted Alex Iwobi the chance to fire Fulham ahead after a poor clearance at the back.
With Liverpool looking to replace Robertson next season, the former Hull City man did not cover himself in any sort of glory this afternoon against Fulham, where the defender was a real weak point for the Reds in their surprise loss in the English capital.
And for Hutchison, Robertson’s role in Iwobi’s goal was a real embarrassment for the Liverpool defender, who was simply not at his usual best this afternoon as the Scottish defender gifted the Cottagers a golden ticket to a big result.
Hutchison said: “Horrendous goal to concede. What on earth has Andy Robertson seen playing that in to midfield? He gives the ball straight to Alex Iwobi, now Liverpool are under massive pressure. There might be a little deflection on the way through, off Robertson’s chest, but he shifts it well to hit the target.”
Liverpool were shown today why Andy Robertson needs replacing
Robertson will go down as a modern Liverpool legend, with the left-back playing an instrumental role in the Reds winning everything they did under Jurgen Klopp and forming arguably the best fullback pairing in Premier League history alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Yet nothing lasts forever in football, and Liverpool were shown today why Robertson needs replacing in the summer, with the defender simply no longer in the world-class bracket of players that the Reds are expecting from every position.
Indeed, Robertson’s legacy at Liverpool is all-but assured already, and moving on from the Scotland international is the right decision this summer as the Anfield side prepare to overhaul the squad in a big way in the off-season.
Fulham and Liverpool fans witnessed a bizarre opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers looked likely to be the Reds’ 23rd victims of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant strike in the 14th minute – before a wild 14 minutes of action ensued.
Once Ryan Sessegnon equalised in the 23rd minute, the floodgates opened as Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz added a second and third – ruthlessness Marco Silva would have been hugely impressed by, albeit not so much for Arne Slot.
In fact, Fulham could have even scored four goals in the first half – although VAR let the west Londoners down.
Richard Keys feels VAR should have penalised Caoimhin Kelleher
Just minutes into the game, Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool in danger with a loose touch in the box, which Andreas Pereira pounced upon.
The Reds somehow escaped unpunished, although Caoimhin Kelleher – who Spurs are fans of – did clean the Brazilian out just after he released the ball with a messy challenge, which Richard Keys feels should have earned Fulham a penalty.
Writing on X (previously known as Twitter), the beIN SPORTS pundit opined: “That is some goal (by Mac Allister) – but surely Fulham should’ve had a pen when Kelleher fouled Pereira? We’re waiting for the matchday centre to tell us ‘it didn’t meet the threshold’.”
https://x.com/richardajkeys/status/1908872048048218500?t=t7zuj05s9JJrxgHfh7IUuQ&s=19
It was a very risky challenge from the Republic of Ireland international – and he was fortunate that Chris Kavanagh and those in the VAR booth felt it deserved no punishment.
What the Premier League Match Centre actually said about Caoimhin Kelleher challenge
Keys – who recently hammered Jamie Carragher – alluded to what the Premier League Match Centre would argue to try and wriggle out of the situation, so let’s see what they actually said on the matter.
Also writing on X, the official Premier League account posted: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
https://x.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1908871544702460095?t=BFPw937afHKjiSzfOF-PRQ&s=19
We cannot understand how the Liverpool No.62 diving into Pereira can be deemed as a “coming together” – although the Cottagers saw justice served regardless after taking all three points.
The home side had two early penalty appeals reviewed during Sunday’s clash at Craven Cottage.
The Premier League has explained why Liverpool were not penalised during two contentious moments early in their match against Fulham.
Fulham had strong claims for a spot-kick within the opening minutes after Ibrahima Konate’s error in the box handed possession to Andreas Pereira.
Pereira first collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as he attempted to round him, before Rodrigo Muniz clashed with Virgil van Dijk while chasing the rebound.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh decided against awarding a penalty for either incident—a decision backed by VAR official Matthew Donoghue.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
Liverpool entered the fixture 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, boasting an unbeaten run of 26 matches in the competition.
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