Erik ten Hag, 55, is a strong contender to replace Xabi Alonso as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, with multiple sources indicating he’s on the club’s shortlist.
Manchester United sacked manager Erik ten Hag last year October following the club’s poor start to the season. Ten Hag’s final game was Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham that left the club 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from their opening nine matches.
Alonso announced his departure from Leverkusen, with expectations that he’ll join Real Madrid to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.
Leverkusen, preparing for this transition, have identified ten Hag, formerly of Manchester United, as a top candidate due to his experience with possession-based football, which aligns with the club’s style.
His prior stint in Germany with Bayern Munich II (2013-2015) and fluency in German are seen as advantages. Reports suggest negotiations with ten Hag are advanced, with some claiming an agreement may already be in place, though Cesc Fabregas is also a leading candidate, and his decision could influence the outcome.
Leverkusen aim to finalize their choice soon, with no official confirmation yet on ten Hag’s appointment and could return to management after seven months out of job.
