BERLIN, Jun 21 (Xinhua) -- Julian Nagelsmann will leave Hoffenheim to join league rivals Leipzig, both Bundesliga clubs confirmed in an official statement on Thursday.
The 30-year-old coach will step down as Hoffenheim coach at the end of the Bundesliga season 2018-2019 after making use of a release clause to take the reins in Leipzig.
"I owe it Hoffenheim, its employees and the fans not to strain the club with constant assumptions about my person and future. It will be a historic season in which we compete for the first time in the Champions League. Now everyone knows the actual state of affairs and we can fully focus on our tasks. I will not answer further questions regarding my future employer," Nagelsmann said.
After the surprising departure of former Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl end of May, the club is still searching for a coach who can take the helm until Nagelsmann arrival in the summer 2019.
Julian Nagelsmann has penned a contract until June 2023 and is the desired candidate for the vacant position of those responsible at Leipzig.
Due to Nagelsmann's running contract, Leipzig will not respond to the transfer before the official introduction.
"We knew about the contractually agreed release clause, which is not exceptional in professional football. It speaks for Julian that he has cleared things up to create clarity for all," Hoffenheim's sporting director Alexander Rosen said.
Hoffenheim clinched the 3rd place in the past Bundesliga season and booked therefore a berth in next season's Champions League group stage for the first time in the club history.
