Ex-Bayern Munich striker to land Bundesliga manager's job after snubbing former club in shock twist

According to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, former Bayern striker Wagner, who is currently the assistant to Julian Nagelsmann at the German national team, is the 'top candidate' to become Augsburg head coach next season. Furthermore, Wagner has also turned down advances from one of his former clubs in Hoffenheim.

The future of current Augsburg manager Jess Thorup is clouded in uncertainty at the moment, with Plettenberg reporting on Thursday that an "internal analysis" was being conducted at the club to evaluate the futures of both Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic. Augsburg's higher-ups are unhappy with the sporting progress in recent weeks, with "no consensus regarding future strategic squad planning, including transfers and overall squad structure."

While Thorup remains in charge for the time being, Augsburg are believed to be desperate to acquire the services of Wagner, who is touted as a highly talented young tactician. Although Augsburg reportedly have made an offer, the 37-year-old has not yet signed the contract, despite turning down Hoffenheim.

Wagner has already announced his decision to leave his role as the assistant coach of the German national team after the Nations League in June, eyeing a future in management at the top level. The Munich-born ex-German international began his journey in coaching by taking over fourth-tier outfit SpVgg Unterhaching in 2021, guiding them to promotion to the 3. Liga in 2023. He left Unterhaching to become the head coach of the Germany U20 team, before being appointed as Rudi Voller's assistant for Die Mannschaft just months later, in September 2023.

Wagner will hope to bow out on a high by helping Nagelsmann & Co. win the Nations League next month. He'll be in the dugout discussing tactics and instructions with the Germany NT head coach on June 4 in the semi-final against Portugal.