Erik ten Hag is on the brink of returning to management, with strong indications pointing to a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch coach, who has been without a club since his departure from Manchester United in October, is expected to take over the reins at the German club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Leverkusen are searching for a new head coach following Xabi Alonso’s impending move to Real Madrid. Alonso’s return to the Spanish capital comes after Carlo Ancelotti stepped down, and his successor will inherit the responsibility of maintaining the momentum built during his transformative tenure in Germany.
Ten Hag, 55, has spent the past several months away from the touchline despite attracting interest from various clubs across Europe. After carefully considering his next move, he appears ready to re-enter the game and is believed to be finalizing terms with Leverkusen. His return marks a full-circle moment, as he previously worked in Germany, overseeing Bayern Munich’s second team between 2013 and 2015.
The experience gained during his time with Bayern’s reserves gave him insight into the Bundesliga’s tactical landscape and the German football system. Leverkusen’s preference for a high-energy, development-focused approach makes Ten Hag a suitable candidate. The club has built a reputation for nurturing young talent and playing expansive football—qualities that align well with the Dutchman’s coaching philosophy.
Alonso’s departure leaves big shoes to fill. Under his leadership, Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance by securing their first Bundesliga title in 2024. The team also captured the German Cup, completing a historic domestic double. Although they did not repeat those heights in the 2024–25 season, a second-place finish and Champions League qualification underlined the club’s progress and stability.
Ten Hag arrives with a point to prove after his mixed spell in English football. He took charge of Manchester United in 2022, inheriting a side struggling for consistency and identity. His debut season brought significant improvement, including a third-place finish in the Premier League, victory in the League Cup, and an FA Cup win. His structured tactical approach and insistence on discipline initially reinvigorated the squad.
However, the 2023–24 season proved far more turbulent. Inconsistent performances, injuries, and mounting pressure eventually overshadowed the progress made. Despite leading the team to an FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, his position became untenable, and he was dismissed shortly after a defeat to West Ham in late October.
With Leverkusen, Ten Hag faces a new challenge rebuilding his reputation while preserving the high standards set by his predecessor. The German club has established itself as a serious contender both domestically and in Europe. The upcoming season offers a fresh platform for Ten Hag to assert his managerial credentials and shape a team capable of sustained success.
His familiarity with the Bundesliga, combined with a tactical approach honed in the Eredivisie, Premier League, and previous German stint, puts him in a strong position to succeed. If appointed, his focus will likely be on consolidating Leverkusen’s recent achievements while injecting his own identity into the team.
As the summer draws closer, anticipation builds over Ten Hag’s return to management. With the right environment and support, he could lead Leverkusen into a new era, blending experience and ambition in one of Europe’s most exciting leagues.
