Jurgen Klopp ‘targets Barcelona duo as first Red Bull signings’

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly targeting two Barcelona youngsters as his first signings since accepting a role at Red Bull.

Klopp was confirmed as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer last week, a position he will officially take up from the start of 2025.

The role will require Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all football clubs at Red Bull – including Leipzig, Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.

He will be required to advise the clubs on coaching matters, playing philosophy, development and transfers of players and head coaches.

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Klopp has already set his sights on bringing two players into Red Bull’s network of clubs.

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made his first transfer targets in his new role at Red Bull

Klopp is reportedly keen to sign Barcelona midfielder Aleix Garrido to the Red Bull network 

The former Liverpool boss will advice Red Bull on development and transfers of players

Barcelona youngsters Aleix Garrido and Noah Darvich have reportedly been targeted, with the duo considered among the rising stats to have graduated from La Masia.

The duo have largely featured for Barcelona Athletic – typically known as the club’s B-team – but have been  tipped to break into the first team set-up.

Garrido has already made his Barcelona first team debut, with the 20-year-old making a substitute appearance under former boss Xavi last year.

The midfielder’s progress has been disrupted in recent months by injury.

Darvich had featured during the Catalan giants pre-season campaign, with the 18-year-old also considered a highly rated product.

The 18-year-old was signed by Barcelona from Freiberg last year, before going on to help Germany win Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

Red Bull have previously had success in attracting Spanish talent with current Barcelona star Dani Olmo having played for RB Leipzig.

The German outfit also signed Barcelona academy product Ilaix Moriba in 2021.

Noah Darvich is another Barcelona youngster reportedly targeted for a transfer

Darvich is seen as a rising star and helped Germany win the Under-17 World Cup last year

Klopp’s surprise move to his new role at Red Bull came after stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season. 

He has since enjoyed a break from football after nine years as Liverpool boss.

Speaking about his new role, Klopp told the Red Bull website: ‘After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this.

‘The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal.

‘There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.

‘Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more.’

Klopp has negotiated an exit clause that would allow him to take the German national team job – should he be approached.