Wagner hits jackpot for keeping Huddersfield up

David Wagner has landed a £2.5 million bonus after guiding Huddersfield Town to Premier League survival.

The club are now ready to step up contract talks with their highlyregarded head coach as they plan for a second season in the top flight.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Wagner had the £2.5 million reward written into the contract he signed before the season.

He sealed safety with the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Wednesday, which all but condemned Swansea City to the Championship.

Huddersfield are preparing to offer the German a deal that is likely to be a significant increase on his present £2.5million deal.

Wagner is attracting attention from rival Premier League clubs, including Leicester City and Southampton, while Bundesliga clubs have registered interest in the past.

Dean Hoyle, the Huddersfield chairman, is determined to ensure the 46-year-old stays for the long term and will hold fresh discussions after this weekend.

Huddersfield play their final game at home tomorrow, in Arsene Wenger’s farewell as Arsenal manager. If they beat Arsenal, and West Ham lose against Everton, Huddersfield could finish in 15th place.

Wagner said: “Staying up is an unbelievable achievement and I’m so delighted that I have been a part of it. This team was only in the bottom three once this season and secured its status one game before the end.

“Huddersfield Town has shown that you should never think you’re not able to make steps, you always have to try and do it. I think we can make further steps, but how big and how quick nobody knows.

“The plan is to sit down with Dean after Sunday. We will be discussing a lot of things – not only transfers but improvement of the facilities. This club is ambitious and has space to improve.”