By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Germany, July 5, 2026 - Jürgen Klopp is set to make a sensational return to football management after agreeing to become the next head coach of the German national team, bringing an end to months of speculation over his future. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has accepted the German Football Association's (DFB) proposal and is now in the final stages of negotiating contract details and his departure from Red Bull, where he currently serves as Head of Global Soccer.
The agreement marks one of the biggest managerial appointments in international football and signals Germany's determination to rebuild following another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign. Julian Nagelsmann stepped down as national team coach after Germany's shock Round of 32 elimination to Paraguay, prompting the DFB to move swiftly in search of a long-term successor. From the outset, Klopp emerged as the federation's preferred candidate.
Speaking publicly for the first time since discussions began, Klopp confirmed that the DFB had approached him shortly after Nagelsmann's resignation and admitted he was enthusiastic about returning to the dugout.
"Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp said while working as a World Cup pundit for Magenta TV. "I'm more recharged than ever." The 59-year-old explained that after two years away from day-to-day coaching, he now feels ready to take on one of the biggest jobs in international football.
Although Klopp has given the green light to the project, the appointment is not yet formally complete.
Negotiations are continuing over the terms of his contract with the DFB, while discussions are also taking place with Red Bull regarding his exit from a deal that runs until 2029. According to multiple reports, compensation and contractual arrangements remain the final issues to resolve before the appointment is officially announced.
Klopp joined Red Bull earlier this year as the company's Head of Global Soccer, overseeing football operations across its network of clubs. The role was expected to keep him away from frontline coaching after he stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024, citing mental and physical fatigue following nearly a decade at Anfield. However, Germany's approach has changed those plans.
The DFB's pursuit of Klopp reflects both his exceptional coaching pedigree and his standing within German football.
During his managerial career, Klopp transformed Mainz into a Bundesliga club before enjoying tremendous success with Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup and reached the UEFA Champions League final. His reputation reached even greater heights at Liverpool, where he ended the club's 30-year wait for a Premier League title, won the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup, while rebuilding Liverpool into one of Europe's dominant teams.
More from Kenya
For Germany, Klopp's appointment represents far more than simply replacing a manager.
The DFB is reportedly looking for a coach capable of leading a long-term rebuild rather than focusing solely on immediate results. The project is expected to centre on the UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2028 and ultimately the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with Klopp tasked with restoring Germany to the elite level that once made them one of international football's most feared nations.
Germany's recent record at major tournaments has fallen well below expectations. After consecutive group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, hopes were high that Nagelsmann would oversee a revival. Instead, Germany's campaign ended in the Round of 32 with a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, prompting the federation to seek a fresh direction.
Klopp himself acknowledged that Germany's challenges extend beyond the man occupying the dugout. He stressed that structural improvements are needed throughout the national team setup but expressed confidence that the project offers an opportunity to build something special. His willingness to embrace that challenge is believed to have impressed DFB officials throughout the negotiations.
News of Klopp's imminent appointment has generated enormous excitement among supporters, many of whom have long viewed him as the ideal candidate to lead the national team. His high-intensity pressing philosophy, charismatic leadership and proven ability to develop young players are widely seen as qualities that could help rejuvenate Germany's current generation.
While the final paperwork is still being completed, there is now little doubt about the direction of travel.
Jürgen Klopp has accepted Germany's offer, the DFB has its chosen successor, and only contractual formalities remain before one of football's most celebrated managers officially begins a new chapter.
For Germany, the hope is that "Kloppo" can restore belief after years of disappointment. For Klopp, it is the opportunity to lead his country for the first time in his managerial career, and perhaps write another remarkable chapter in one of football's most distinguished coaching journeys.