Hütter returns to Frankfurt on three-year deal
Eintracht Frankfurt have brought back Adi Hütter as head coach from July 1, handing the 56-year-old Austrian a contract until June 2029. The club are turning to a familiar face after a disappointing eighth-place finish last season left them outside European qualification, and Hütter replaces Albert Riera after his short, turbulent spell in charge.
Hütter's first Frankfurt stint from 2018 to 2021 remains well remembered: he took the club to the Europa League semi-finals in his debut season and the DFB-Pokal semi-finals the following year. Frankfurt are betting that his pressing style and attacking approach can stabilise the club quickly and restore their European ambitions.
Liverpool eye Iraola as Slot successor
Liverpool's post-Arne Slot rebuild is already the summer's biggest managerial story, with multiple reports saying Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to take over at Anfield. Slot was dismissed after a fifth-place Premier League finish and a season without silverware, making the next appointment crucial after the Dutchman delivered Liverpool's 20th league title only a year earlier.
Alternative options are also being discussed, including Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage. Hoeness has extra appeal after guiding Stuttgart to fourth place in the Bundesliga and Champions League qualification, while Sage is also said to be under consideration if Liverpool decide not to move for Iraola.
来源
- Arne Slot's Liverpool successor: How Andoni Iraola compares to Xabi Alonso, Sebastian Hoeness, Pierre Sage - Sports Mole
- Liverpool could appoint 'best coach in the world' if Iraola doesn't get the job
- Managing Liverpool as Andoni Iraola gets £60m reunion and replaces Mo Salah
- Liverpool can appoint 'best coach in the world' as manager - and it's not Iraola
Sundowns stun Leipzig in Pretoria comeback
Mamelodi Sundowns produced the day's most eye-catching result for a Bundesliga club, overturning a first-half deficit to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. The match was part of Leipzig's historic 'RE KAOFELA' post-season tour of South Africa, the first time the Bundesliga side have toured the African continent.
The defeat came despite Leipzig's global-brand status and was framed locally as a statement performance from Sundowns, who were missing eight players on Bafana Bafana duty but still overran the visitors after the break. A late Brazilian brace helped turn the game, underlining how exhibition fixtures can still carry reputational weight for Bundesliga clubs abroad.
Dortmund defender Schlotterbeck targets World Cup form
Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is heading into the 2026 World Cup in strong shape after recovering from injury and re-establishing himself as a defensive leader. The official Bundesliga profile notes that the Germany international has 25 caps and no senior international goals, and that Dortmund conceded only 34 Bundesliga goals this season with Schlotterbeck anchoring the back line.
His form matters beyond club level because Germany will rely on him for stability at the World Cup, and Dortmund will hope the same fitness and physical presence carry into next season. A player who has already become a cornerstone for club and country can change the tone of both campaigns if he stays fit.
Koulierakis emerges as low-cost Liverpool defensive target
Liverpool are being linked with Greek defender Konstantinos Koulierakis as they prepare for a major summer defensive rebuild. The 2026 Bundesliga relegation of his club has reportedly made the 20-something centre-back available at around £25 million, which would make him far cheaper than many elite alternatives.
The appeal is obvious for a club looking to refresh without overspending: Koulierakis is described as a physical centre-back and a potentially smart value buy rather than a headline-grabbing gamble. With Liverpool facing change after Slot's exit, the market for younger Bundesliga defenders is likely to be watched closely.
Hertha make Darvich their top loan target
Hertha BSC have identified VfB Stuttgart talent Noah Darvich as their main transfer target for the 2026-27 season. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, captain of Germany's U-17 World Cup and European Championship-winning side, has also delivered real end-product for Stuttgart's reserve team with 10 goals and six assists in 29 3. Liga appearances.
A move to Berlin would likely offer more senior minutes than competing Bundesliga options, which is why Hertha are pushing hard for a loan. For Stuttgart, Darvich's development path is now a key watchpoint because his production at reserve level suggests he is close to a breakthrough.