Erik Ten Hag Set to Take Over as Bayer Leverkusen Manager

According to multiple sources, Erik Ten Hag has agreed to become Bayer Leverkusen’s new first-team manager.

The reported deal will see the Dutch manager sign a two-year contract. It will be his first job since being dismissed by Manchester United last year.

The German side have acted quick in replacing Xabi Alonso, who has taken over at Real Madrid.

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He leaves behind a historic legacy at the BayArena, having guided the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title with an unbeaten league campaign, a DFK-Pokal triumph, and a Europa League final appearance. 

Ten Hag will have big shoes to fill, but his track record speaks for itself. He won three Eredivise titles and reached a Champions League semi-final with Ajax in 2019. Whilst his time at Manchester United was mixed, he still managed to deliver silverware, with an EFL Cup and an FA Cup. There’s no doubt he’s a manager with a knack for winning things.

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Known for his philosophy of possession-based football and a strong emphasis on youth development, Ten Hag’s approach will be crucial for Leverkusen next season, as they brace for a summer of transition. 

Key players are expected to depart, with Jonathon Tah and Jeremie Frimpong reportedly heading to Bayern Munich and Liverpool, respectively, and Florian Wirtz appearing to be joining Frimpong in Merseyside. 

Ten Hag will be tasked with rebuilding the squad, potentially bringing in familiar faces from previous stints at Ajax or Manchester United. 

Whilst Leverkusen have been in discussion with a number of managers, it appears they’re set on Ten Hag, who is prioritising a move to Germany, over a return back to Ajax.