Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement in principle to appoint Erik ten Hag as their next head coach, according to The Athletic. The former Manchester United manager has been out of work since departing the Premier League club earlier this season. Discussions are now underway to finalise the deal, with both parties working toward a completed agreement.
As reported by Sky Germany, ten Hag is expected to sign a long-term deal at the BayArena, running until the summer of 2027. The appointment signals a new direction for the Bundesliga champions, who are preparing for life after Xabi Alonso.
Fabregas declines, Ten Hag steps in
Leverkusen had also considered other candidates for the role before settling on ten Hag. Cesc Fabregas was among the names on the shortlist, but the former Spain international chose to remain at his current post with Italian club Como.
With Fabregas out of the picture, Leverkusen turned to ten Hag, whose coaching pedigree includes successful spells at Ajax and more recently, Manchester United. Despite his departure from the English side, the Dutchman remains a highly respected tactician in European football circles.
A demanding rebuild ahead
Ten Hag will face an immediate challenge in following the legacy of Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a remarkable season, securing both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal titles. His successor will not only need to maintain high expectations but also steer the club through a period of significant transition.
Several key players are expected to leave in the coming months. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah are among the names likely to exit, with other squad members also attracting interest from other clubs. The summer transfer window could bring substantial changes to the team’s core.
Ten Hag’s ability to manage this overhaul could be crucial to his success in Germany. If he can stabilize the squad and keep Leverkusen competitive, it may also provide an opportunity to rehabilitate his managerial reputation after a challenging spell at Old Trafford.
