Bayern Munich’s search for a new manager search has suffered a fresh setback after Julian Nagelsmann opted to sign a new deal with the German national, but HITC understands the German giants are now looking towards England.
Nagelsmann signed a new two-year agreement with the DFB (German FA) on Friday – which sources have confirmed caught Bayern ‘off-guard’ as they were locked in talks with the 36-year-old over a potential return to the club who sacked him just over 12-months prior.
Nagelsmann and his representatives had been open to a return to club management, as HITC revealed, and it was not just Bayern who had shown an interest but Liverpool and Barcelona.
However, Nagelsmann has decided to manage Germany through to the next World Cup in 2026 . Nagelsmann’s decision means Bayern have now missed out on their two top targets to take-over from Thomas Tuchel – who departure was confirmed earlier in the season.
They had first made a move for Xabi Alonso, but like with Liverpool, were left to look elsewhere when he announced he would be staying with Bayer Leverkusen after guiding them to the Bundesliga title.
Whilst Alonso and Nagelsmann were their primary options, Bayern insist that work has been ongoing on other targets during the process.
HITC understands that Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is being talked about at board level at Bayern – who are confirmed admirers of the Italian and he has been on their radar since Tuchel’s departure was announced.
De Zerbi has kept Brighton at arm’s length over a new deal, despite the club looking to tie him down to a long-term agreement – with a higher release clause. HITC understands that De Zerbi’s current deal, which runs to 2026, has a clause of around £12million.
Roberto De Zerbi is being considered by Bayern Munich
And HITC can reveal that Bayern would have no qualms about paying that sort of fee for De Zerbi – if they decided he was the right man for the role. Previously Bayern paid a world record fee of over £20m to secure Nagelsmann when they lured him from RB Leipzig.
Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has also been linked but sources have played that down, although they have been looking at other options including former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick – currently in charge of Austria.
Another potential candidate that has that HITC has been informed of, is Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness.
Hoeness, who has previously coached Bayern’s Under-19 and second team, has performed brilliantly for Stuttgart this season – as they challenge for a Champions League finish.
Hoeness is the son former Bayern Munich legend Dieter Hoeness – whilst his uncle Uli, another former Munich great, is a current board member at the Allianz Arena having also served as president of the club.