Jürgen Klopp set to become Germany's next national team coach after Red Bull releases him

Klopp, 59, currently oversees Red Bull's worldwide football activities under a contract that runs until 2029. According to Bild, he is permitted to leave that role for the DFB without any conditions attached. "Red Bull lässt Klopp ohne Bedingungen zum DFB," the newspaper wrote. The DFB had identified Klopp as its preferred candidate to succeed Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down from the post after the World Cup.

Background: Klopp's path back to the national team

A conversation between Klopp and his current employer Red Bull took place ahead of the agreement, and according to a report it went well from the DFB's perspective. "Das Gespräch zwischen Jürgen Klopp und seinem Noch-Arbeitgeber Red Bull ist laut einem Bericht für den DFB gut verlaufen," the report said. The release removes what had been the main obstacle to the appointment.

Under an ideal timeline and once final details are clarified, Klopp could be presented as the 13th head coach of the German national team as early as next week. The DFB has not yet publicly confirmed the appointment, and the federation declined to comment when contacted by media outlets. Bild reported that the formal announcement is being prepared for the coming days.

The news was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on 19 July 2026 and has since been picked up across German-language outlets. OE24 also carried the story, summarising the New York talks: "Wie die BILD berichtet haben sich Red Bull und der DFB bei Verhandlungen in New York vor dem Finale geeinigt und die Bullen geben ihrem 'Head of Global Soccer' endgültig die Freigabe."

A clean break with Red Bull

Klopp's arrival would mark one of the highest-profile returns to German football in recent memory. He previously managed Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund, winning two Bundesliga titles and reaching the 2013 Champions League final with Dortmund, before leading Liverpool to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup success between 2015 and 2024. He stepped down from Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season and took up his role at Red Bull in January 2025.

The DFB had been searching for a successor since Nagelsmann's departure. Nagelsmann had taken over the national team in 2023 and led Germany through to the World Cup, but the federation decided a change was needed after the tournament. Klopp's name quickly emerged as the leading candidate, given his profile, his track record and his stated willingness to return to frontline coaching.

Red Bull's willingness to release Klopp without conditions is unusual in modern football, where buy-out clauses and compensation payments are standard. The arrangement suggests both parties wanted a clean break: Red Bull to avoid a protracted dispute, and the DFB to secure its preferred candidate without delay. The contract length, running through to the 2030 World Cup, gives Klopp a full four-year cycle to prepare and qualify the team.

What Klopp would inherit

The presentation, if it goes ahead as planned, would take place in Frankfurt, the home of the DFB. The federation is expected to outline Klopp's backroom staff, his initial squad plans and the schedule of upcoming fixtures at the unveiling. Germany's next competitive matches are scheduled for the autumn in the Nations League.

Klopp's first task would be to reshape a squad that underperformed at the recent World Cup. He is known for high-intensity pressing, attacking football and a strong emphasis on youth development, all of which align with the DFB's stated philosophy. His previous experience with German players at Dortmund and his familiarity with the country's football culture are seen as additional advantages.

The appointment also has implications beyond the senior team. Klopp's influence is expected to extend into discussions about the DFB's broader coaching structure, its academy programmes and its approach to talent identification. Several federation officials have privately expressed hope that his presence will lift standards across the board.

Reaction and remaining steps

Reaction from former players and pundits has been broadly positive, with many pointing to Klopp's charisma and his ability to connect with both established stars and emerging talents. Some have cautioned that the step from club management to international football is significant, and that the lack of daily training-ground contact with players will require adjustment.

For now, the focus is on Friday's signature and the formal presentation that would follow. Until the DFB confirms the appointment in its own communications, the reports from Bild and Sky remain the primary source for the story. Both outlets have a track record of breaking major German football transfers and appointments.

The broader context is a German football landscape still searching for stability after a decade of mixed results at international level. Klopp's return, if confirmed, would be framed as the start of a new era, with the 2030 World Cup in mind as the central milestone. The federation, the squad and the German public will be watching closely to see whether the most successful German coach of his generation can translate his club pedigree onto the national stage.