Jurgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to take over as the manager of the German national team, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, according to reports.
The former Liverpool boss is set to sign a four-year contract with the German Football Association (DFB) that would extend through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup. Klopp, 59, has been out of coaching since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, subsequently taking on a strategic role as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull in January 2025.
This move comes after Germany's disappointing performance in the recent World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the round of 32. Nagelsmann resigned following the penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke met with Klopp in New York to discuss the potential appointment. "During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract," a DFB spokesperson stated. "Talks will continue next week. Both sides are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be successfully concluded."
Klopp is expected to discuss the terms of his departure from Red Bull, where he reportedly has a unique exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave for the Germany head coach position. His former assistant coach at Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, is also rumored to be joining him in the Germany setup.
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, has experienced a decade of reduced success, failing to advance past the quarter-finals in their last four major tournaments. Recent performances include a Round of 16 exit in Euro 2020, a quarter-final appearance in Euro 2024, and group stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Klopp himself had previously confirmed discussions with the DFB regarding the vacancy following Nagelsmann's resignation. "Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp told German broadcaster Magenta. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me."