Jurgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to become the next head coach of Germany’s national team.
The former Liverpool manager met senior German Football Association (DFB) officials in New York on Friday, with only final talks and an agreement with Red Bull – where Klopp has served as head of global football since January 2025 – remaining before the appointment is completed.
Klopp is expected to sign a four-year contract, replacing Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany’s early World Cup exit.
It would be Klopp’s first coaching role since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024 and his first job in international football.
The 59-year-old enjoyed a trophy-laden nine-year spell at Anfield, winning seven major honours, including the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019.
Before that, he guided Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles after beginning his coaching career at Mainz 05.
Klopp has previously been linked with a return to club management, including reports of interest from Real Madrid, but dismissed those rumours earlier this year.
Germany’s pursuit of Klopp has reportedly been aided by his strong relationship with former Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, who played a key role in the negotiations.
Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the last 32, prompted Nagelsmann’s departure despite his contract running until Euro 2028.
The DFB now hopes Klopp can restore the national team to the top level of international football.
“DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jurgen Klopp in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach,” said the DFB in a statement.
“During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. 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.”
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