According to a scoop by renowned Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is set to become the new head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Romano, known for his signature “Here We Go” announcements, revealed that ten Hag is expected to sign a three-year contract with the German club on Monday, keeping him at the helm until June 2027.
Leverkusen Move Quickly to Secure Ten Hag
Following the confirmation that current manager Xabi Alonso will be leaving at the end of the season to take charge of Real Madrid, Leverkusen wasted no time finding his successor. After assessing several candidates, the club’s top brass zeroed in on ten Hag, who has been without a club since parting ways with Manchester United last October.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro expressed his confidence in the Dutch tactician:
“We were looking for someone to continue our success and bring fresh ideas. Erik ten Hag has proven his tactical intelligence and leadership at Ajax and Manchester United. We believe he’s the right man to take us to the next level.”
A Fresh Start After Mixed Fortunes at Manchester United
German sports outlet Kicker reflected on ten Hag’s turbulent stint at Old Trafford, suggesting that his departure from United was due to a misalignment between his vision and the club’s direction rather than a lack of coaching ability.
During his tenure at Manchester United, ten Hag managed 128 games, winning 72, drawing 20, and losing 36. He also led the Red Devils to an FA Cup and a League Cup triumph. Despite a rocky final season and internal challenges, his work developing young talent and implementing modern tactical systems won him praise from many in the footballing world.
Now, Bayer Leverkusen is offering ten Hag a clean slate, a platform to rebuild his reputation and prove his doubters wrong.
Tactical Fit Could Spark New Golden Era
From a tactical standpoint, ten Hag’s philosophy is a natural fit for Leverkusen’s current squad. Known for their fast transitions, high pressing, and technically gifted players, the team already embodies many of the principles the Dutchman champions.
His time at Ajax saw him engineer one of the most exciting teams in Europe, culminating in a stunning run to the Champions League semifinals in 2019. That team, built around youth and energy, mirrors the potential he’ll find in Leverkusen’s dressing room today.
Suppose Ten Hag can blend his vision with his available talent. In that case, there’s every chance the Werkself could mount a serious challenge in the Bundesliga and European competitions.
A Chance to Rewrite the Narrative
Ten Hag’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Leverkusen, who are looking to build on the momentum of the Alonso years. With expectations rising and Champions League football on the horizon, the club is banking on his experience and innovation to keep the trajectory moving upward.
For ten Hag, this is more than just a job, a personal mission. After a challenging spell in the Premier League, he returns to the German-speaking world with a point to prove. Can he rediscover the spark that made his Ajax side one of Europe’s most thrilling teams?
Only time will tell, but all eyes will undoubtedly be on Leverkusen when the new season starts.
