Liverpool and Bayern Munich have reportedly received a slice of hope in their pursuits of Julian Nagelsmann, despite the Germany boss recently signing a new deal with the national team.
The former Bayern and RB Leipzig head coach was originally only under contract with the DFB until the end of Euro 2024, and a handful of top clubs were believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
Nagelsmann's tenure as national team head coach did not get off to the best of starts, as Germany only won one of their first four fixtures under his wing, including back-to-back losses to Turkey and Austria.
However, the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the current calendar year with statement wins over France and the Netherlands, and Nagelsmann recently signed a new deal with Germany to stay on until the 2026 World Cup.
The 36-year-old's renewal would ostensibly eliminate Bayern and Liverpool's chances of making a move for him this summer, but according to Sky Deutschland - via the Daily Mail - he could still leave in a particular set of circumstances.
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Nagelsmann deal 'void if Germany suffer early Euro 2024 exit'
The report claims that there is an "iron-clad" clause as part of the renewal, which will become null and void if Germany suffer a group-stage exit at their home Euros this summer.
Die Mannschaft were drawn alongside Hungary, Switzerland and Scotland in Group A, which they are considered the favourites to top in the wake of their World Cup disappointments.
The 2018 and 2022 global gatherings both saw Germany go out in the group stage, and their Euro 2020 campaign ended with a last-16 defeat to eventual runners-up England at Wembley.
As the Mannschaft board are intent on avoiding similar humiliation, they have supposedly inserted the clause into Nagelsmann's deal which will also see the head coach forgo his remaining wages and a payoff if Germany go out early.
However, Nagelsmann is said to have been happy to agree to the clause, as he is positive that his nation will at least make it to the knockout rounds of this summer's European Championships.
Liverpool, Bayern prioritising other managerial targets
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Even if Germany fail to live up to expectations again and Nagelsmann is given the boot, neither Liverpool nor Bayern should be putting their eggs in one basket as they ramp up their searches for a new head coach.
The German giants, whose previous board sacked Nagelsmann last year and hired Thomas Tuchel, were initially believed to have been growing in confidence about welcoming the former back to the club, only to see him ink a new Germany contract.
Bayern are since believed to have turned their attention to ex-Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, even making contact with the Frenchman, but he would allegedly prefer to manage Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is thought to be top of Liverpool's shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp, who has been heavily linked with the Germany role but continues to snub the Mannschaft's advances.
Ben Knapton
