With Xabi Alonso fired at Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped up in the short term to take over until the end of the season. As such, Los Blancos are considering permanent manager options to get the job on a permanent basis and Jurgen Klopp has been touted as a possible hire.

The German is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, but reports this week have claimed that the Liverpool icon is ‘seriously considering’ becoming Real Madrid’s next manager. If he is to arrive in the Spanish capital, it appears as though the 58-year-old is intent on shaking things up.

As per reports in Spain, via TeamTalk, Klopp will look to cut six big names from the squad, while he has also already drawn up a list of six players he wants to bring in.

Five Players Klopp Will Cut From Real Madrid Squad

Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer Jurgen Klopp during a press conference

It seems as though Klopp will be pretty brutal as he looks to reshape the Real Madrid squad, with a number of notable players at risk of being sold. Defence appears to be a problem area, with the German seemingly unhappy with the left-back options.

Indeed, it’s said that both Ferland Mendy and David Alaba will have to pack their bags. Midfield is also evidently viewed as an area for upgrade, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos destined for the exit door as well. At least one departure in the middle of the park makes plenty of sense with Klopp angling for some exciting upgrades.

Finally, Brahim Diaz’s career at Real Madrid will be all but over if the German takes over, as Klopp aims to bring in someone better suited to his footballing vision.

Klopp’s Six Real Madrid Targets

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes celebrating
Premier League – Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur – St James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain – September 1, 2024 Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

The bad news from Klopp is that one of his six dream targets has already been snapped up in the last 24 hours, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi now set to land a mammoth £300,000-per-week deal at Manchester City, having been wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal. That will leave Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as his number one choice to come in at centre-back.

Having decided he doesn’t want Mendy or Alaba, it makes sense to target another defensive reinforcement and in typical Klopp style, instead of targeting a Galactico, Bournemouth’s 20-year-old fullback Alex Jimenez has been touted as a potential signing. In midfield, however, some more familiar names pop up on this list.

Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes’ name is mentioned. The Premier League star wouldn’t be the only central midfielder target considered, though, with Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart also mentioned. The club would face plenty of competition for the 24-year-old, with several German clubs and also Manchester United linked in recent months.

Finally, Klopp would look to former club Borussia Dortmund for a new winger in the form of 23-year-old forward Karim Adeyemi. It’s interesting that the list of targets doesn’t contain many Galactico-type transfers, but this would be perhaps Klopp’s way of trying to change the culture at Real Madrid.