Tottenham vs Bayern Munich: Nagelsmann Compensation Stalemate

Tottenham have made Julian Nagelsmann their top managerial target, but there is a significant problem that may prevent them from appointing him. Nagelsmann emerged as the early favourite to take the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having been shockingly sacked by Bayern Munich just days before Antonio Conte was axed in March. It seemed that Spurs had missed out on the German after he held talks with Chelsea to replace the sacked Graham Potter, but last week he decided against moving to Stamford Bridge, with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino now expected to join the Blues. It is now reported that Nagelsmann is the first name on Daniel Levy’s four-man shortlist and many believe the 35-year-old to be the perfect manager for Tottenham right now. However, though he is interested in the job, they have now hit a tricky stumbling block in their bid to sign him as he is proving to be a very expensive option. According to The Telegraph, there was no termination clause in Nagelsmann’s contract at Bayern, and is effectively on gardening leave with three years left on the five-year deal he signed in 2021. As a result, the Bundesliga giants are still paying his €12 million (£10.6m) annual salary, even with Thomas Tuchel firmly installed at the Allianz Arena. Bayern will also be due compensation if their former manager joins another club during this season. The possibility of having to pay this compensation and these huge salary demands may well prove too much for Spurs and Levy and could force him to seek a cheaper alternative. This news won’t please Tottenham supporters who are once again likely to voice their displeasure towards the chairman and owner at Thursday night’s pivotal home game against Manchester United. Ryan Mason is back in temporary charge of the team after the previous interim Cristian Stellini was dismissed after the humiliating 6-1 defeat at Newcastle last Sunday. It is not clear who the other three names of Levy’s shortlist are, though Arne Slot is likely to be one having impressively taken Feyenoord to the verge of the Eredivisie title. Other names who have been of interest to Spurs include Burnley’s Vincent Kompany, Celtic’s Ange Postecoglu, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique.