German champions Bayern Munich have announced Eintract Frankfurt boss Niko Kovac will succeed Jupp Heynckes as their manager at the end of the season.
Heynckes took charge following the dismissal of ex-Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti in October, and led Bayern to their sixth Bundesliga title in a row.
The 72-year-old is in his second spell at the club, and could yet win the Champions League again.
Former Croatia captain Kovac played for Bayern from 2001-2003.
The 46-year-old, who has also managed Croatia, will take up his new role on 1 July and has signed a three-year contract.
Kovac, born in Berlin to Croatian parents, is under contract to Frankfurt until 2019 and reports in the German media have suggested his release clause is 2.2 million euros.
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Both clubs last week denied Kovac was on his way to Munich.
“There is no reason to doubt that I will be the coach of Frankfurt next season,” he said.
Several high-profile coaches, including Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, were linked with the Bayern job.
Germany’s World Cup-winning head coach Joachim Low ruled himself out of contention, declaring his intention to honour his contract with the national team, which runs until 2020.
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel also rejected the chance to join the German champions, who on Friday were paired with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
