Withers helps the Kop with Klopp fever

International law firm Withers has represented Jürgen Klopp in his negotiations with Liverpool Football Club, and its owners Fenway Sports Group, to become the club's new manager.

Klopp's appointment comes following the recent sacking of the Premier League club's former manager Brendan Rodgers.

Klopp managed Borussia Dortmund from 2008 until his resignation at the end of the 2014/15 season. The two time Bundesliga winner previously took charge of Mainz 05 for seven years, having played for the club for 12 years previous. Klopp was named 'German Football Manager of the Year' in 2011 and 2012.

'This has been a swift and high stakes negotiation, which has been heavily trailed by the media throughout the process,' said Withers' head of sports law, Luca Ferrari, who led the negotiation process.

'Jürgen has a proven track record of success and will bring strong, strategic leadership to the club. This appointment has drawn on the strengths of our international sports team, including lawyers in the US and UK, and crucial IP advice on Jürgen's image rights.'

Working alongside Ferrari was Withers' intellectual property partner Kenny Mullen, employment associate Libby Payne, and US commercial associate Michael Rueda.

The firm's sports law team has been involved in a number of high profile matters recently, including Renault Group's ongoing negotiations to acquire Lotus F1 Team Ltd; Andrea Pirlo's transfer to New York City FC; and Matteo Darmian's transfer to Manchester United.

In addition, the firm has acted in a range of matters for world tennis number one male player Novak Djokovic.

John van der Luit-Drummond is deputy editor for Solicitors Journal
john.vanderluit@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @JvdLD