Chelsea have begun their search for a new manager after sacking Graham Potter. However, the club may have to wait until the summer to appoint Julian Nagelsmann due to a clause in his contract with Bayern Munich. The clause stipulates that any club wanting to hire Nagelsmann before the summer must speak to Bayern Munich, despite them sacking him.
Kaveh Solhekol, speaking on Sky Sports, revealed that there has been no contact between Chelsea and Nagelsmann or his representatives. He also stated that Chelsea would have to negotiate with Bayern Munich if they wanted Nagelsmann, as there is still a clause in his contract which means Bayern Munich would have to agree to him moving to another club before the summer.
The two sides remain in the Champions League and could face each other in the semi-finals if they both progress past their quarter-final opponents. Should this occur, it will see Thomas Tuchel return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since being sacked earlier in the season. However, both teams face a difficult task in doing so. Chelsea face reigning champions Real Madrid, while Bayern face English champions Manchester City.
Solhekol added that Bayern Munich has been very clever and cute in protecting their interests by including the clause in Nagelsmann’s contract. They do not want Nagelsmann going to Chelsea and revealing all the secrets of the way they operate. While there are obstacles, they are not insurmountable. If Chelsea wants Nagelsmann, they need to contact his representatives, speak to him, and negotiate with Bayern Munich.
As many as seven bosses have been earmarked for the Chelsea job. In the meantime, ex-Brighton star and Potter assistant Bruno Saltor has been handed the reins until a successor is appointed.
Overall, Chelsea’s hunt for a new manager may be delayed due to the clause in Nagelsmann’s contract with Bayern Munich. However, the club has several other options to consider as they search for their next manager.