Jürgen Klopp Nears Deal to Become Germany's National Team Coach

The German Football Association (DFB) and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp have reached a basic agreement on the key points of a potential contract that would see Klopp take charge of the men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup. Talks took place in New York between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, vice‑president Hans‑Joachim Watzke, and Klopp, followed by scheduled meetings with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff to arrange an early exit from Klopp’s current role as Head of Global Soccer, which runs until 2029. The DFB statement said, “Bei dem konstruktiven Austausch wurde eine Verständigung über wesentliche Eckpunkte eines potenziellen Vertrages erzielt,” and added that “Die Gespräche werden in der kommenden Woche fortgesetzt.”

Klopp’s appointment would replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany’s round‑of‑16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Negotiations also discuss whether Klopp could remain a Red Bull brand ambassador, a proposal that has drawn criticism from several DFB state associations and fan groups concerned about potential conflicts of interest. Reported contract terms include a salary of around €7 million per year and a possible release payment to Red Bull. While the DFB is optimistic that a deal can be concluded pending Red Bull’s approval, the situation remains under close public scrutiny, with opinions ranging from excitement over Klopp’s high‑profile leadership to worries about commercial influence on the national team.