Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as the new head coach of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Monday.
Ten Hag takes over from Xabi Alonso, who departs after a historic 2024/2025 season in which he led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a German Cup triumph. Alonso was unveiled on Sunday as the new manager of Real Madrid, where he will succeed veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Dutchman joins Leverkusen looking to rebuild his reputation following a mixed spell at Manchester United. Appointed in mid-2022, Ten Hag won both the League Cup and the FA Cup during his two-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford but ultimately parted ways with the Premier League side in October 2024 amid inconsistent performances and mounting pressure.
Leverkusen will be hoping Ten Hag’s tactical discipline and experience at elite European clubs, including a highly successful stint at Ajax, can help sustain the momentum built under Alonso. The club is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season and aims to remain a dominant force in German football.
Ten Hag’s appointment signals Leverkusen’s continued ambition to establish itself among Europe’s elite, building on the foundations of their recent domestic double.
Written By Rodney Mbua
