Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has agreed to become Germany head coach, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Premier League and Champions League-winning boss is set to replace Julian Nagelsmann, returning to the dugout for the first time since leaving the Reds in 2024.
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Romano has claimed that the 59-year-old will sign a long-term deal with the four-time World Cup winners and leave his position as head of global soccer at Red Bull. Nagelsmann resigned in the wake of their shock round of 32 exit to Paraguay, opening the door for the Liverpool icon to earn his dream job with the national team.
In a statement published earlier this week, Germany outlined their intention to enter talks with Klopp with the tactician signalling his intent to take the position. Klopp is currently in the United States as part of German broadcaster Magenta TV’s World Cup coverage.
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Klopp’s exit from Red Bull is now said to be under discussion as he prepares to return to management.
The German has been on punditry duty over the weekend and discussed the prospect of taking over from Nagelsmann. His comments intensified reports that he was set to take the post.
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“Yes, I can confirm the talks,” Klopp told Magenta. “Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB (German FA) are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.
“What needs to happen now? Time. I’m under contract with Red Bull. I’ve said I’m interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn’t only about Julian Nagelsmann.
“I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I’ve said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I’ve also made it clear that I’m interested in talks with the DFB.
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“I also have to speak with (Red Bull CEO) Oliver Mintzlaff. He’s my employer. We’ve already touched on a few things. I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.
“I’m ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally. There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann.
“Julian is an exceptional coach, and he will be able to prove that time and again throughout his coaching career.”
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Klopp seemingly in the driving seat to take over at Germany means that he will be in the hotseat for the 2028 European Championships held in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco in 2030.
Klopp stunned Liverpool and the Premier League when he announced his resignation in January 2024. The iconic Anfield boss admitted that he was left exhausted by navigating the relentless trials and tribulations of the English top-flight.
Within months, he joined Red Bull as their head of global soccer, overseeing the energy drinks football operations as their multi-club network continues to grow and expand its net.
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Despite being in a director’s role within the Austrian super-brand, Klopp has been repeatedly linked with a return to management, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid having said to be interested.
Saudi Arabia was also mooted as a prospect on the eve of the World Cup, and even Liverpool, amid Arne Slot’s struggles in their ill-fated title defence.
