In a dramatic twist in the football managerial carousel, Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as frontrunners to secure the services of Erik ten Hag as their new head coach. The Bundesliga giants are reportedly in advanced negotiations with the former Manchester United and Ajax manager, with sources indicating that direct contact was made earlier this week, and Ten Hag has expressed his full availability for the role. As Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s current tactician, is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, the Werkself are wasting no time in planning for the future.
The Context: Xabi Alonso’s Impending Departure
Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable rise in recent years has been nothing short of spectacular. Under Xabi Alonso, the club clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, ending Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance. Alonso’s tactical acumen, blending high-pressing football with positional play, transformed Leverkusen into a European force, with the team currently sitting second in the Bundesliga as of May 2025. The consistent performances in domestic competitions have made Leverkusen a destination club for top talent.
However, Alonso’s success has not gone unnoticed. Real Madrid, the Spanish giants, have long coveted the former midfielder, who enjoyed a storied playing career with the club. Reports suggest that Alonso is their top target to replace Carlo Ancelotti, whose tenure has been under scrutiny following a mixed 2024-25 campaign. With Alonso’s departure, Leverkusen have acted decisively to identify a successor capable of maintaining their upward trajectory. Erik ten Hag, a manager with a proven track record and a deep connection to German football.
Erik ten Hag: The Man in the Frame
Erik ten Hag’s managerial journey is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. The 55-year-old Dutchman first rose to prominence at Ajax, where he masterminded one of the most exciting teams in recent European football history. Between 2017 and 2022, Ten Hag led Ajax to three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, and a memorable run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Tottenham Hotspur. His Ajax side, built around young talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Hakim Ziyech, played a scintillating brand of football that earned plaudits across the continent.
Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United, from 2022 to October 2024, was a mixed bag. He delivered an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup, while also guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish in 2022-23. However, inconsistent performances and a challenging 2023-24 season, culminating in his sacking in October 2024, left some questioning his ability to manage at the absolute elite level. Despite this, Ten Hag’s tactical nous, commitment to youth development, and ability to implement a clear playing identity remain highly regarded.
Crucially for Leverkusen, Ten Hag has prior experience in Germany. Between 2013 and 2015, he managed Bayern Munich II, working under Pep Guardiola during the Spaniard’s transformative tenure at Bayern’s senior team. This stint not only gave Ten Hag a deep understanding of German football but also saw him develop close relationships within the Bundesliga ecosystem. His fluency in German further enhances his appeal, as it ensures seamless communication with players, staff and media.
The Talks: How Leverkusen Moved Swiftly
According to multiple sources, Bayer Leverkusen initiated direct contact with Ten Hag earlier this week, with negotiations progressing rapidly. Reports describe the talks as “very advanced,” with some even suggesting that a verbal agreement may already be in place. Ten Hag, who has been without a club since leaving Manchester United, is said to have given his “total availability” for the role, signaling his enthusiasm to return to management and take on the challenge at Leverkusen.
This development is significant, as Leverkusen are keen to maintain their competitive edge in the Bundesliga and European competitions. The club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, is reportedly driving the pursuit of Ten Hag, viewing him as the ideal candidate to continue Alonso’s work. While former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was also considered for the role, Ten Hag’s experience and familiarity with German football appear to have given him the edge.
Challenges and Expectations
While the potential appointment of Ten Hag is exciting, it comes with challenges. Replacing Alonso, a club legend who delivered Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title, is no small task. The expectations at Leverkusen are sky-high, with fans and stakeholders hoping to continue challenging Bayern Munich and competing in Europe. Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United, particularly its latter stages, raised questions about his ability to manage squad dynamics and handle intense media scrutiny. However, his success at Ajax and his tactical acumen suggest he has the tools to succeed in Leverkusen’s well-structured environment.
Another potential challenge is the transition from Alonso’s system. While both managers share similar tactical philosophies, Ten Hag may introduce subtle changes that require adaptation from the squad. However, Leverkusen’s young and versatile players are well-suited to evolve under new leadership, and Ten Hag’s experience with youth development could ensure a seamless transition.
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