Report: USMNT zeroing in on huge hire for next head coach

The search for a new U.S. Men's National Team coach may finally be over.

Spanish soccer reporter Ivan Kasanzew posted on X Wednesday night that former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to become the next USMNT coach, citing multiple sources.

No formal announcement has been made yet by U.S. Soccer.

Pochettino, 52, has been a target of sporting director Matt Crocker's since Gregg Berhalter was fired in July, per BBC Sport .

However, the Argentine would appear to be Crocker's third choice for the job after reports surfaced last month that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and current Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo turned down approaches from U.S. Soccer.

Pochettino left Chelsea after just one season in May following a subpar Premier League season, finishing 12th.

If Pochettino is indeed named the next USMNT coach, he would already be somewhat familiar with America's top striker in Christian Pulisic.

However, it might make for an awkward reunion as Pochettino signed off on his sale to Italian side AC Milan shortly after arriving at the club in July 2023.

The USMNT are scheduled to play an international friendly against Canada on Sept. 7 but Pochettino would not be in charge yet, per Paul Tenorio of the New York Times . Instead, U-20 coach Mikey Varas would handle touchline duties.