Jurgen Klopp pursued for World Cup gig in America before major announcement

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been approached by FOX Sports, who recently announced Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an analyst, to appear on their upcoming World Cup coverage

Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager and Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, stands on the pitch after the match between the New York Red Bulls and the CF Montréal(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was approached by FOX Sports to join the network as an analyst for their upcoming FIFA World Cup coverage.

While the headlines on Merseyside have been dominated this week by the news that Reds sporting director Richard Hughes is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and Arne Slot's admitting he understands Liverpool supporters' frustrations following the recent Champions League defeat to Galatasaray and the draw to Tottenham Hotspur, Klopp was recently approached by FOX Sports to appear on their World Cup coverage.

On Wednesday, the broadcaster unveiled former Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as one of its analysts for this summer's tournament, which will be played across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Ibrahimovic, who spent two seasons with the LA Galaxy in MLS, will be a full-time TV studio analyst for FOX and is set to appear alongside former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry and host Rebecca Lowe, who will join the network for the tournament on loan from Premier League broadcaster NBC.

"He was at the top of the list of people we wanted to take swings at for this World Cup," FOX Sports president Brad Zager said of the move to bring Ibrahimovic on board.

"We put a blank slate on the board, thinking some were longshots and guys who have worked with us in the past and a lot of stuff in between. And Zlatan was one that there was no reason to not take a swing and see if he would be willing to do this."

It has also been claimed that Klopp and David Beckham were approached to join FOX's World Cup coverage.

According to The Athletic, FOX pursued both Klopp and Beckham, with Zager admitting that at one point, it appeared as though the former Reds boss would be interested in the role.

While it is unclear whether the addition of Ibrahimovic would end any approach for Klopp, the 58-year-old did sign a deal in November to be part of German broadcaster MagentaTV's World Cup coverage last year.

Following his departure as Liverpool boss back in 2024, Klopp has been working for Red Bull as their Head of Global Football, a role he began in 2025.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was linked with a role with FOX Sports for the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

However, despite him signing a four-year deal with Red Bull, his role with the organization could be under review after Sport Bild reported that discussions about his future had taken place.

Klopp has been linked with a return to management, with Real Madrid a possible landing spot for the German after the club sacked Xabi Alonso earlier this season.

Despite the reports, Marc Kosicke, Klopp's agent, recently made it clear his client intends to remain at Red Bull.