Julian Nagelsmann's new Germany deal has surprising clause... after the manager agreed to stay until the 2026 World Cup despite club interest
- Julian Nagelsmann has signed a new deal to remain Germany boss until 2026
- However, a surprising clause means they must hit the ground running this year
- If Erik ten Hag wins the FA Cup with Man United, does he deserve to keep his job? Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast
Julian Nagelsmann's contract to remain Germany manager until the World Cup in 2026 has a surprising clause.
The 36-year-old had been linked with a host of Europe's top club sides this summer, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United all thought to be interested.
However, Nagelsmann ended speculation over his future on Friday by signing a new deal with the German national team which will take him until the 2026 World Cup.
Sky Germany claim that the contract has an iron-clad clause which means that the deal is void if they fail to qualify from the group stage at Euro 2024 - and he will not receive a pay-off or his remaining salary.
The country are keen to avoid a repeat of the humiliation of being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage, which has happened twice in a row.
Julian Nagelsmann's new deal with Germany contains a surprising clause for this summer
If they do not reach the knockouts, in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup, then the contract is void
Germany hosts the European Championships this summer, and Nagelsmann's side have been paired with Scotland, Switzerland and Hungary at the first hurdle.
It is believed that Nagelsmann 'doesn't mind this clause', because he is confident that Germany will not be ejected from the group stage of the tournament.
At the World Cup in 2022, Japan and Spain qualified for the knockout stage while they were eliminated - the second time in a row that they have failed to get past the group stages at the global tournament.
At the previous European Championships, held in 2021, Germany made it out of the group, only to fall victim to eventual runners-up England in the Round of 16.
Germany have not made it to the semi-finals of a major international tournament since the 2016 Euros, when they were ejected by hosts France.
In a statement after signing his extension, Nagelsmann said: 'This is a decision of the heart. It is a great honor to be able to train the national team and work with the best players in the country.
'With successful, passionate performances we have the chance to inspire an entire country.
Nagelsmann had been linked with clubs including Liverpool, Man United and Bayern Munich
'The two wins against France and the Netherlands in March really touched me. We want to play a successful home European Championship together and I'm really looking forward to it together with my coaching team Challenge of a World Cup.'
Germany play Ukraine and Greece in pre-season friendlies in June, ahead of the opening game of Euro 2024 against Scotland on June 14.
