Red Bull take huge step towards first major deal before Jurgen Klopp's official start date

Jurgen Klopp is seemingly set to take command of seven Red Bull football clubs rather than six as the Austrian company's next investment took a major step forwards. The former Liverpool manager is due to become their head of global soccer from January 1, 2025.

After Klopp made the unexpected announcement to leave the Reds back in January, he said he was firstly going to take a break from football and secondly he would never take charge of another English team. He has been seen numerous times enjoying newfound freedom without a job these past few months, but is soon due to begin his next venture that allows him to take the step back from the dugout that will allow him to keep both promises.

Last month the ex-Liverpool boss was announced to be taking control of sports investor Red Bull's footballing arm. This won't mean running each and every single club they are connected to, but they say the 57-year-old will instead 'provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy', and 'support the organisation's global scouting operation, and contribute to the training and development of coaches'.

READ MORE: 'He was going for Ryan' - What Ryan Gravenberch did to enrage team-mates in Liverpool training

READ MORE: Liverpool told why 'immature' David Coote shouldn't lose job amid PGMOL investigation

Klopp is due to begin on New Years' Day, 2025, and when Red Bull's announcement was made it seemed as if his reach would cover six global clubs. They are four that Red Bull own - RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Bragantino - plus two that they have invested in - Leeds United and FC Liefering.

However, they are currently in the process of completing a takeover at French second-tier side Paris FC, which L'Equipe report is now nearing completion.

They say that Red Bull, working with businessman and Christian Dior CEO Antoine Arnault, are seeking to secure ownership of the club. Arnault would take 55 percent and they would acquire a 15 percent stake. Current owner Pierre Ferracci is to retain 30 percent of the club until 2027, at which point he will relinquish this control.

Arnault was summoned for a meeting with the DNCG - France's football watchdog - on Tuesday and explained his reasons for wishing to complete the takeover and his vision for Paris FC. Now it is reported that all that stands in the way of the deal being finalised is a final meeting next Wednesday, during which Arnault and Ferracci will provide signatures to complete the transaction.

Paris FC - a 1970s splinter club from serial Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain - are currently top of Ligue 2 and aiming for promotion either this season, or the coming years as outlined in Arnault's vision. To help achieve this they may yet have the help of Klopp.