Klopp's Real Madrid Blueprint Takes Shape: Williams and Guimarães Top His Wish List

The rumour mill is in overdrive regarding Jurgen Klopp's next move, with Spanish media now suggesting the German tactician could be headed to the Bernabéu come summer. According to reports, Klopp has already begun sketching out his vision for Real Madrid—and it doesn't include their current star winger Vinicius Junior.

Klopp has been out of the dugout since departing Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, citing burnout after his nine-year tenure at Anfield. He subsequently took on a role as Red Bull's Global Head of Football, though journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed this week that the Spanish giants hold significant appeal for him. Despite his long-term commitment to the energy drink conglomerate, Plettenberg suggested that a serious approach from Madrid would merit serious consideration from the 57-year-old.

Real Madrid's managerial situation took a decisive turn on Monday when Xabi Alonso parted ways with the club following their 3-2 Spanish Cup final loss to Barcelona. Former Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa has stepped up from his Castilla post to assume the first-team role, though whether this represents a permanent arrangement remains uncertain. Spanish outlets suggest Perez is prepared to give Arbeloa a genuine opportunity, but the president is keeping tabs on potential successors—with Klopp firmly in the frame as a favourite candidate.

Should Klopp arrive at the Bernabéu, his first port of call appears straightforward: overhauling the left wing position. The incoming boss reportedly harbours reservations about Vinicius and is already plotting his replacement. Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams tops his shopping list, with Klopp convinced he can unlock the winger's full potential. The German has a proven track record of transforming wingers into world-beaters—Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Robert Lewandowski all flourished under his tutelage—and Williams, despite a dip in form, represents the kind of raw talent Klopp believes he can reshape.

Equally pressing on his agenda is securing creative reinforcement in midfield. Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães has emerged as Klopp's primary target to fill this void. The Brazilian playmaker isn't unfamiliar to Madrid's corridors of power, having previously caught their attention, though the club's renewed interest could prove more concrete this time around.