​The decisive moment in German football appears to have arrived. After a meeting in New York that brought together DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Jürgen Klopp, expectations have grown that the 59-year-old Klopp will soon be announced as Germany’s next head coach. As the key personnel matter moves toward completion, attention is turning to the contractual arrangements behind the scenes, where media reports diverge about what Klopp’s future with Red Bull will look like.
Initial reports from Bild suggested that the DFB sought a solution that would allow Klopp to continue promoting Red Bull products while taking on the national-team role. However, later reporting from kicker and Sky contradicted that interpretation. Kicker noted that, in recent days, a theory had gained traction claiming Klopp could join the DFB without a transfer fee while remaining an advertising ambassador for Red Bull, a model that, according to the publication, had no named source and, more importantly, did not appear to be part of Red Bull’s strategy. Sky’s Florian Plettenberg echoed the sentiment, stating that the notion of Klopp remaining as a Red Bull brand ambassador after becoming Germany’s head coach was never part of the plan and that the reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.
What now seems more plausible is a flexible arrangement rather than a conventional, time-consuming ambassador role. Red Bull’s primary wish, according to the reporting, is simply that Klopp remains available from time to time to lend his expertise. In practical terms, this could translate into Klopp stepping into an advisory capacity for Red Bull’s substantial portfolio in sport beyond his official duties as Germany’s head coach. Such an arrangement would avoid rigid, long-term ambassador commitments while allowing Klopp to contribute occasional strategic input outside his national-team responsibilities.
The complexity of finalizing terms lies in the potential overlap between Klopp’s role as the face of the DFB’s official advertising partners and his existing private sponsorships. Once Klopp assumes the DFB post, he is likely to become a visible representative in line with the federation’s advertising contracts, which could intersect with his current commercial affiliations and endorsements. This overlap necessitates careful negotiation to prevent conflicts and to maximize compatibility with all parties involved.
With the most sensitive points still to be resolved, Neuendorf and Watzke are scheduled to meet Red Bull’s chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff at the beginning of the week to advance the discussions. A subsequent round of talks between Klopp and Mintzlaff is anticipated to take place around the World Cup final, aimed at addressing any remaining questions definitively. As the countdown to a formal appointment proceeds, the sporting and commercial implications of Klopp’s new role will continue to attract intense scrutiny from supporters, media, and sponsors alike.
In summary, while the appointment of Jürgen Klopp as Germany’s head coach seems largely imminent, the exact nature of his relationship with Red Bull remains the focal point of debate. The emerging consensus points to a nimble, largely non-traditional arrangement that keeps Klopp available for occasional advisory contributions to Red Bull’s broad sports interests, rather than a fixed, long-term ambassador role. Whether such an agreement will satisfy all stakeholders, including Red Bull, the DFB, Klopp, and his various sponsors, will become clearer as the final negotiations unfold in the coming days and weeks.
This article has been adapted for English readers. The original German version can be read here.