diff --git a/workspace.cpp b/workspace.cpp
--- a/workspace.cpp
+++ b/workspace.cpp
@@ -661,8 +661,6 @@
  */
 void Workspace::removeClient(Client* c)
 {
-    emit clientRemoved(c);
-
     if (c == active_popup_client)
         closeActivePopup();
     if (m_userActionsMenu->isMenuClient(c)) {
@@ -704,6 +702,8 @@
     if (c == delayfocus_client)
         cancelDelayFocus();
 
+    emit clientRemoved(c);
+
     updateStackingOrder(true);
 
 #ifdef KWIN_BUILD_TABBOX