Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig to settle debt over Julian Nagelsmann

CSmith1919Fri, Jul 17, 2026·2 min read

Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig could be set to renew acquaintances this summer, but this will not be just another preseason friendly. According to a report from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), the two clubs are planning to face each other around the middle of August as part of an agreement that dates back to Julian Nagelsmann’s move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021.

When Bayern Munich hired Nagelsmann from Leipzig, the deal was groundbreaking. Not only did Bayern reportedly pay a fee that could reach €25 million to secure one of the brightest young coaches in football, but the agreement also included an additional clause that often gets forgotten—a friendly match between the clubs, with part of the proceeds going to RB Leipzig as further compensation.

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Five years later, that obligation finally appears set to be fulfilled.

It is an interesting reminder of just how unique Nagelsmann’s move was. While transfer fees for players dominate headlines every summer, clubs rarely pay significant compensation for managers. Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Nagelsmann was different, reflecting just how highly the club rated him at the time.

Although Nagelsmann is no longer on Bayern Munich’s bench, the contractual agreement between the clubs has remained in place. If the friendly goes ahead as planned, it will close one of the final chapters connected to one of the most expensive coaching moves in football history.

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From a sporting perspective, the match should also provide Vincent Kompany with another valuable preseason test against Bundesliga opposition before the competitive campaign begins. Facing a familiar domestic rival is often a better measuring stick than playing against overseas competition, giving Bayern Munich a chance to fine-tune tactics and evaluate players in a competitive environment.

What began as a historic managerial transfer could now conclude with an intriguing preseason fixture—one that serves as both practical preparation for the new season and a reminder of the remarkable circumstances surrounding Julian Nagelsmann’s arrival in Munich back in 2021.

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