Mauricio Pochettino. PA Images/Alamy Images

Why Mauricio Pochettino has not signed for USMNT yet

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Aug 17, 2024 11:09 AM ET

Fans of U.S. Soccer were excited over the news Wednesday night that former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino had reportedly agreed to become the next USMNT head coach.

However, no formal announcement has been made yet by U.S. Soccer, and it's because Pochettino has not yet signed a formal contract. Why? It's due to his severance package.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the 52-year-old Argentinian originally had a deal to manage Chelsea for three years but left after only one season in May — meaning he's still technically under contract.

Therefore, he must negotiate a termination of that agreement before he can sign anything with U.S. Soccer. Ornstein explained the details further on NBC Sports' Premier League coverage Friday.

"Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the next U.S. Men's National Team head coach. The deal is NOT signed."

David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) joined Rebecca Lowe at Old Trafford to give the latest on the situation between Pochettino and the USMNT. pic.twitter.com/7cCXl3afb8
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 16, 2024

While the USMNT will likely offer a significantly smaller salary than any Premier League club, Ornstein suggested Pochettino will still accept based on the prowess of the job and sponsorship opportunities.

A Pochettino tenure could be a massive boost for American soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially after a dismal Copa America performance this summer.

But until previous entanglements are cut off and a new contract is signed, fans will have to wait just a bit longer for the Pochettino era to begin in the United States.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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