Real Madrid have one of the biggest decisions to make in the club's modern history this summer when they search for Xabi Alonso's permanent replacement. His controversial dismissal has shocked the footballing world including Jurgen Klopp.
The former Liverpool boss has cast doubts about replacing Alonso, highlighting issues at the Estadio Bernabeu. But despite his concerns regarding the job, he remains the frontrunner to take over from caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Klopp is a proven winner who transformed Liverpool during his nine years at Anfield. He was helped by an excellent recruitment team who backed him with successful signings including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Madrid will likely have to make promises to the German about allowing him to build the team in his image. If he is the one to take charge of Los Blancos he could assemble a new look side for the 2026-27 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's Dream Real Madrid XI
Klopp played a 4-3-3 while managing Liverpool and enjoyed huge success in England, guiding the club to their first league title in 30 years and the Champions League. His heavy metal brand of football was effective and possessed some of the greatest players in the Reds' history.
Goalkeeper
Should the German take charge of Madrid he'd already have one of the best goalkeepers in world football to turn to. Thibaut Courtois would undoubtedly continue to be number one and that is likely to be the case for many years.
Defense
But a new-look defence could be on the cards although Klopp would have no doubts over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. He managed the Englishman at Liverpool and is a massive fan who always defended the playmaking full-back against criticism over his defending.
In central defence is where we can expect changes and Klopp likes his center-backs to be tall and strong. There's enough evidence to suggest he'd put his faith in Raul Asencio, given the six-foot Spaniard has impressed.
But Antonio Rudiger could be headed for the exit door and that should mean he looks at a replacement. The former Borussia Dortmund manager is currently working in the Bundesliga as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer.
Klopp will have seen Nico Schlotterbeck up close and the six-foot-three German center-back ticks all the boxes to slot into defense alongside Asencio. Rumors are growing over Los Blancos swooping for the Dortmund man although some in Germany suggest he could renew his contract.
Alvaro Carreras has put in excellent displays this season and will likely have done enough to be Klopp's starting left-back. He is a hardworker who bombs up and down the left channel in a similar fashion to how Andy Robertson did throughout Klopp's Liverpool reign.
Midfield
A new number six was on the cards before Madrid sacked Alonso and that will likely be the case if Klopp arrives. The dream is Rodri from Manchester City and reports claim the La Liga giants see an opportunity to try and prise him away from the Etihad.
Rodri has endured injury issues in recent years which could be a concern. But Pep Guardiola isn't certain to continue at City beyond the end of this season and the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is a fan of Klopp's brand of football.
Klopp tried bringing two of Madrid's current midfielders to Anfield and one of them was Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman chose Los Merengues over Liverpool but clearly had an admirer in the former Reds boss.
Klopp was also keen to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield but the club couldn't compete with Madrid's finances at the time. The English midfielder would be a certain starter under the German, who has waxed lyrical.
Attack
In attack is where the most significant change could take place if the club proceed with their reported interest in Erling Haaland. There are claims in Germany that Florentino Perez not only wants to make the Manchester City striker his next Galactico signing but also to have him arrive as part of the Klopp era.
Haaland has been one of Europe's deadliest frontmen ever since joining City. The Norweigan has broken countless records and could be Klopp's Robert Lewandowski in this new Madrid side.
Out on the right it seems likely Rodrygo retains his place given his impressive return to form this season. He was even on Klopp's radar while playing in Brazil as a teenager, a clear sign he'd be one of the German's favorites at the Bernabeu.
But Vinicius Junior could be the shock exit this summer despite reports claiming he has made a U-turn over a departure because of Alonso leaving. The Brazilian has been out of sorts this season, and Klopp has made clear he doesn't like any player who views themselves as more important than the team.
That's not to say Vinicius does but he has cut a frustrated figure on several occasions and his behavior during Alonso's reign was poor. If he were to be sold it allows Kylian Mbappe to move into the left-wing position he caused so many problems in during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Lining up with Mbappe on the left of Haaland, two of the very best goalscorers in world football, is a tantalizing prospect. It might also just be the perfect way for Klopp to dominate Europe.