Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has revelaed that Eintracht Frankfurt boss Niko Kovac will replace Jupp Heynckes as manager of the German champions next season on a three-year deal.
Kovac, 46, has been in charge of Eintracht since March 2016, saving them from relegation before leading the Eagles to the DFB Cup final in his first full season in charge. In the current campaign he has guided them to fifth place in the Bundeslga and to the last four of the cup.
As well as his impressive managerial record, the former Croatia international also meets Bayern’s wish to have a German speaker at the helm. Born in Berlin, Kovac played for Bayern as a midfielder between 2001 and 2003, when he was a team mate of the Bavarians’ current sporting director.
Earlier this month Eintracht sporting director Fredi Bobic said Bayern had not been in contact, while Kovac himself said there was “no reason to doubt” that he would see out the final year of his existing contract with the Eagles.
But Bayern have now agreed a deal with the ex-Hertha Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg player, having previously held discussions with former Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Bayern have been on the lookout for a new boss after failing to persuade Heynckes to stay on for another season, and they vowed to have a new man lined up by the end of April.
Heynckes was only tempted out of retirement in order to help Bayern after they sacked Carlo Ancelotti last October. The 72-year-old has since guided them to a 27th Bundesliga title and a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.