Football League World
·13 November 2024
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·13 November 2024
Jurgen Klopp has taken on a role with Leeds United minority investors Red Bull that could impact their transfer activity
TNT Sports commentator Ian Darke has claimed that Jurgen Klopp will be able to provide a transfer link for Leeds United through the Red Bull connection.
It was announced in October that the German coach will become the company’s Head of Global Soccer in the new year.
He will oversee the entirety of their network of clubs in the game, including the likes of RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and RB Salzburg.
This is Klopp’s first role in football since departing Liverpool at the end of last season, and will mean he is heavily involved in the recruitment side.
Leeds also became part of the Red Bull network last summer, with the energy drinks brand purchasing a minority stake in the Championship side.
Darke believes that Klopp will be able to provide a connection to Daniel Farke’s side through the transfer market, offering them a positive assistance.
However, the TNT Sports commentator has suggested that the legendary coach will know to avoid stepping on his fellow countryman’s toes or get in the way of his first team plans amid their promotion push.
“I think Klopp is sensible enough to feel his way through the relationship he’ll have with Farke and Leeds United,” said Darke, via MOT Leeds News.
“If he thought in any way he was cramping his style or impeding him, he would feel that’s not what his role is.
“Leeds are just one of the clubs part of the Red Bull empire and you wonder the extent of what say Klopp would have in anything like selection or recruitment, or the general approach.
“He’s been a manager for long enough to know he shouldn’t tread on any toes, and rather give a general hand of guidance.
“The Red Bull link-up will likely help Leeds in the transfer market, and Klopp could provide a connection.”
Leeds narrowly missed out on an immediate Premier League return last season, and will have their sights set on being second time lucky.
The Whites have made a solid start to the new campaign, with Farke’s side sitting third in the table.
The gap to league leaders Sunderland is just two points after 15 games, meaning it is still very tight at the top of the standings.
Next up for Leeds will be a trip to face Swansea City on 24 November following the last international break of the calendar year.
Red Bull have built a massive network of clubs, and have a remarkable team of scouts and data analysts scouring the market for talent.
Leeds now being a part of that will be beneficial, as it opens up doors to them that might not have existed by themselves.
Given it is only a minority investment, they should also still be able to maintain some autonomy, allowing them the best of both worlds.
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