Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could stop the Reds from signing one of Europe's most sought after talents.

At the beginning of 2024, Klopp announced he would be stepping down as Liverpool boss come the end of the 2023/24 season, a decision which shocked many. Sighting burnout, the German coach said he could not carry on in the role due to its draining nature.

However, it did not take long before Klopp took up another job, albeit, one that is working behind the scenes rather than coaching. Come the beginning of 2025, Klopp will take up the position of Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, a role that will see him influence and guide the style of play and decision making of the clubs owned by the energy drink company.

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And in his new role, Klopp could actually prevent Liverpool from landing one of Europe's biggest talents, Xavi Simons. Currently on-loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint Germain, Simons lit up the Bundesliga last term with a number of impressive performances. He has been linked with Liverpool previously, as well as the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

While Leipzig has struggled this term, particularly in the Champions League where they have lost all six of their games so far this season - including a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool - they still sit fourth in the Bundesliga, and would like to keep Simons permanently.

However, according to BILD's Christian Falk, who was speaking to CaughtOffside, PSG are demanding $83m (£66.1m/€80m) upfront for Simons, a price that is too high for Leipzig. "Leipzig are interested in keeping Xavi Simons permanently," Falk told CaughtOffside. "However, they can’t agree another loan move next term, as you’re only allowed to do it twice to the same club. So, next summer, they have to see if they can buy him from PSG.

"PSG want about €80m [£66.1m] for his services, which is too high for Leipzig. I heard they were thinking about €50m [£41.3m] up front and then a further €30m [£24.7m] to PSG if they sell Simons to another club."

And that's where Klopp comes in. Falk added: "Interestingly for Leipzig, they now have a secret weapon in the form of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp which they could potentially rely upon.

"He’s starting his new role with Red Bull on January 1 and they hope that he’s the man who could persuade Simons to stay put. This will be the first challenge for Klopp in his new role."

Liverpool.com says: "Look, Klopp's got a new job to do! Red Bull are paying him to utilise his footballing expertize and if that means he has to convince Simons to stay at Leipzig, then that's what he'll have to do. Ultimately however, it really doesn't matter if Klopp convinces Simons to stay if Leipzig can't stump up the cash upfront PSG want. The Dutchman is still a PSG player and given how talented he is, they may want to bring him back to Paris next term."