Nagelsmann to succeed Flick as Bayern coach

The 33-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in world football, has signed a five-year deal through to 30 June 2026. The appointment comes as the record champions agreed to Flick's desire to end his contract at the end of the current season.

“Julian’s contract length of five years alone shows how much he identifies with FC Bayern. I’m convinced we will have a very successful future at FC Bayern with Julian,” said board member and future CEO Oliver Kahn. “I’d also like to thank Hansi. He led FC Bayern to amazing success with great football. We’ve now fulfilled his wish to leave FC Bayern before the end of his contract.”

Nagelsmann's Leipzig finished third in the 2019/20 Bundesliga, whilst reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. They have been Bayern's closest pursuers throughout 2020/21, and are still on course to lift their first major trophy in the DFB Cup, with a semi-final against Werder Bremen coming on 30 April.

Nagelsmann has overseen 90 competitive matches in the Leipzig dugout, winning 53 and drawing 21. The Bavarian native is also the only opposition coach to have stopped Bayern from scoring since Flick took the reins on 3 November 2019.

“Julian stands for a new generation of coaches. Despite his young age, he already boasts an impressive CV,” said Bayern president Herbert Hainer. “We’re convinced we’ll be able to build on the amazing success of recent years with Julian.”

Watch: Julian Nagelsmann's RB Leipzig under the tactical microscope

Nagelsmann previously spent nine years at Hoffenheim, making history as the Bundesliga's youngest permanent coach when he took over the senior team in February 2016, before masterminding back-to-back top four finishes in 2017/18 and 2018/19. He learned his trade with the Augsburg and 1860 Munich youths, after his playing career had been ended by injury at the age of 20.