"When Jürgen Klopp joined Red Bull as its new "head of global soccer" in January 2025, fans in Germany and England were stunned. Known for his time at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, three clubs with cherished fan culture and storied histories, it seemed odd to many fans and observers of the game when he became part of a multi-club ownership construct that has often been criticized for artificially building up teams."
"A week shy of his first anniversary with the energy drink giant, it is fair to say that Klopp is far more than that. The perception of his role at Red Bull changed rather quickly when he showed up at RB Leipzig training sessions and became involved in transfer business. Oliver Mintzlaff, who previously served as Leipzig's chief executive and is now Red Bull's CEO of corporate projects, called Klopp the company's "marquee signing without any fee.""
Jürgen Klopp joined Red Bull as head of global soccer in January 2025, surprising fans given his history with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. Initial expectations framed him as a figurehead, but he became actively involved at RB Leipzig, attending training and participating in transfer decisions. Oliver Mintzlaff described Klopp as a marquee signing without any fee. Red Bull operates a broad, growing portfolio including Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Bragantino, RB Omiya Ardija and stakes in Paris FC and Leeds, pursuing ambitious multi-club expansion amid criticism about artificially building teams. Johan Bakayoko noted Klopp's deep football understanding after extended conversation.
Read at ESPN.com
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