Overview
- Per Mertesacker announced he will leave his post as Arsenal’s academy director at the end of the season after eight years in the role.
- German media led by Bild report he is a leading candidate for a senior DFB position, particularly managing sports director, with no official confirmation from the federation.
- DFB sport director Rudi Völler said he can imagine Mertesacker in a leading role at the federation and praised his expertise and communication.
- The managing sports director role is currently held by Andreas Rettig, whose contract runs through 31 December 2026 and includes responsibility for the national teams and the academy.
- Mertesacker’s ZDF pundit contract ends after the 2026 World Cup, and Bild reports he intends to take at least a year-long sabbatical, a claim not independently verified.