Nagelsmann Offered Severance Package
Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly set to be sacked as Germany coach, tabloid Bild reported Thursday, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the favorite to take over in the dugout. Nagelsmann, 38, has been under fire since Germany’s last 32 exit from the World Cup after a shock loss to Paraguay. Showing pictures of Nagelsmann at German FA (DFB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Bild reported Thursday the coach had been offered a severance package of seven million euros ($8 million) to leave the position in a three-hour meeting. Last renewed in January 2025, Nagelsmann’s contract is set to run until 2028.
Klopp Open to Return
Several German media outlets, including Sky and Munich daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, have said Klopp is the overwhelming favorite to succeed Nagelsmann. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Klopp would be open to considering a return to management if the German Federation decides to call him. Nagelsmann wants to stay, but the final decision lies with the DFB. Klopp is reportedly keen on the project and would listen to an offer.
World Cup Failure Triggers Investigation
Germany’s loss on penalties to Paraguay marked the third straight early World Cup exit for the four-time champions, after group stage eliminations in Russia and Qatar. Monday’s defeat was Germany’s first knockout match since winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. On Tuesday, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf announced an immediate investigation into the World Cup failure. A decision on Nagelsmann is expected “by the beginning of next week at the latest,” AFP sports subsidiary SID reported Thursday.
Nagelsmann's Salary and Contract
Figures on Nagelsmann's annual salary have not been made public, although German media reports he earns roughly seven million euros per year. The severance package offered matches his annual salary, indicating the DFB is prepared to pay a significant sum to part ways.
Klopp's Current Role
Klopp stepped away from management after leaving Liverpool in 2024 and has since been engaged as the head of global football for energy drink brand Red Bull, overseeing a multi-club network which includes clubs in Austria, Germany, Brazil, the United States and Japan. Despite this role, Klopp is reportedly open to returning to the dugout for the national team.
