Slot guided Liverpool to the title in his first season at Anfield, but pressure has mounted after the club slipped to fifth place following a disappointing end to the campaign.
A damaging 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, fresh from winning the UEFA Europa League, left Liverpool at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification heading into the final weekend.
Bournemouth are now within touching distance behind them, intensifying scrutiny around Slot despite heavy backing in the transfer market.
The Sun claims Liverpool’s hierarchy have already opened communication with Klopp, although it remains unclear whether the contact relates to advice, a possible return or wider discussions about the club’s direction.
Klopp stepped down in 2024 after transforming Liverpool during a nine-year spell in charge.
The German won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield during his time at Anfield.
He also twice pushed Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the final day in title races that defined an era of English football. Liverpool owner John Henry has reportedly travelled to Palma de Mallorca, where Klopp now lives, further fuelling speculation over the situation.
At the same time, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s leading alternative if the club decide to replace Slot. The Spaniard has earned widespread praise after Bournemouth’s rise this season and is viewed as one of the Premier League’s most progressive coaches.
Slot’s position has deteriorated quickly despite delivering silverware during his first year.
Liverpool invested heavily after Klopp’s departure in an attempt to maintain their place among Europe’s elite, but a poor second half of the season has raised fears of regression instead. A romantic return for Klopp would inevitably ignite excitement among supporters.
Whether Liverpool’s contact develops into something more serious may now depend on the final weekend of the season.