Overview
- On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, reports from Sportbild, SPORT1 and AFP said Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß publicly recommended Per Mertesacker for a senior DFB role focused on youth development.
- Mertesacker spent eight years running Arsenal’s academy and has told German media he would be willing to work for the DFB in future, making him a visible and experienced candidate.
- The likely opening follows Andreas Rettig’s announcement that he will leave as DFB Geschäftsführer Sport at the end of the year, a role that covers national teams and academies.
- The suggestion of Mertesacker fits into a wider DFB overhaul that already includes appointing Jürgen Klopp as national coach and aims to produce more top talents through revamped academy structures.
- No formal approach or appointment has been announced and coverage so far is based on reporting and endorsements from German outlets and AFP, with the DFB expected to decide before Rettig’s departure.