The buyout clause in U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract is set at approximately $10 million, according to a report by The Athletic. This development comes as Manchester United is reportedly considering Pochettino as a leading candidate to replace current head coach Michael Carrick.
Pochettino, who re-signed with U.S. Soccer following the World Cup, is under contract to remain head coach of the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup. The clause would allow an interested club, such as Manchester United, to release him from his agreement with U.S. Soccer by paying the specified amount.
Manchester United has not yet officially dismissed Carrick, but sources indicate that the club is expected to do so. The Athletic reports that United’s interest in Pochettino is serious, though there is no definitive information on whether he will accept an offer or leave his current post.
Pochettino’s re-signing with U.S. Soccer this summer followed a period of speculation about his future after the World Cup. His new deal, which runs through the 2030 tournament, was seen as a significant commitment by both the coach and the federation.
The $10 million buyout figure places Pochettino among the more expensive coaching appointments in international football, reflecting his experience and reputation in both club and international management.
Manchester United’s search for a new head coach comes amid a period of underperformance and growing pressure from fans and stakeholders. Carrick, who took over in a caretaker capacity before being appointed full-time, has faced mounting criticism over recent results.
While The Athletic’s sources confirm Manchester United’s interest in Pochettino, they do not provide a definitive answer as to whether negotiations have begun or if the buyout will be triggered imminently. U.S. Soccer has not commented publicly on the reports or on contingency plans should Pochettino depart.
The situation remains fluid, with both Manchester United and U.S. Soccer monitoring developments closely. Any move by United to secure Pochettino would require not only the buyout payment but also agreement on personal terms with the coach himself.
Why it matters
The revelation of a $10 million buyout clause in Pochettino’s contract is significant for both U.S. Soccer and Manchester United. For the USMNT, losing a high-profile coach with a long-term contract could disrupt preparations for the 2030 World Cup, for which Pochettino was seen as a cornerstone of the team’s strategy, according to The Athletic.
For Manchester United, the potential move signals the club’s willingness to invest heavily in securing a top-tier manager amid ongoing struggles under Michael Carrick. The decision to consider triggering such a substantial buyout highlights the urgency at Old Trafford to reverse recent poor form and restore the club’s competitive standing in English and European football.
This development also underscores the increasing financial stakes involved in top-level football management, where elite coaches command buyouts and salaries that rival those of leading players. The coming days will be critical as both organizations weigh their next steps and the broader football community watches for the outcome.
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