Erik ten Hag has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to become the next head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, marking a significant move in both his managerial career and the trajectory of one of Germany’s most exciting clubs. The development comes amid growing speculation over ten Hag’s future following an uncertain tenure at Manchester United, and signals Leverkusen’s ambition to continue building on the momentum they’ve generated under outgoing manager Xabi Alonso.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that while final contract details are still being worked out, both sides are aligned on the key elements of the agreement, including the length of tenure, transfer influence, and the overall sporting vision. Ten Hag is expected to take over this summer, following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, with an official announcement likely once all contractual formalities are finalized.
The Dutch manager’s impending move to Leverkusen represents a calculated reset after a tumultuous period at Manchester United. While he won the EFL Cup and secured a top-four finish in his first season, his second year was marred by injuries, inconsistent performances, and mounting criticism over tactics and squad management. With new ownership dynamics at Old Trafford, including the growing influence of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, ten Hag’s position became increasingly precarious.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, are coming off a historic campaign. Under Xabi Alonso, the club captured their first Bundesliga title, going unbeaten throughout the domestic season and reaching the latter stages of both the DFB-Pokal and UEFA competitions. Alonso’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season to take on the Liverpool job left a sizable void — and finding the right successor was paramount for the club’s leadership.
In Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen believe they are securing a coach who blends tactical discipline with a commitment to attacking football and youth development. His success at Ajax — particularly the thrilling run to the Champions League semifinals in 2019 — showcased his ability to get the most out of young, dynamic squads. Leverkusen’s current team, full of emerging talents like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Exequiel Palacios, should suit ten Hag’s system well.
Moreover, the German club reportedly offered ten Hag a key incentive: full backing in the transfer market and a degree of sporting control akin to what he enjoyed in his best years at Ajax. Leverkusen’s technical director, Simon Rolfes, has long admired ten Hag’s coaching style and reportedly spearheaded the pursuit, viewing the Dutchman as the ideal figure to continue the club’s evolution on the European stage.
While some skepticism lingers among fans due to ten Hag’s mixed results in the Premier League, there’s also optimism that the Bundesliga — a league more tactically open and historically accommodating of Dutch managers — will better suit his strengths. The cultural and footballing philosophies of Ajax and Leverkusen share similarities, particularly in their emphasis on pressing, possession, and youth development.
Ten Hag will also benefit
