Erik ten Hag to coach Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen

Erik ten Hag has been named the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, replacing Xabi Alonso, who is moving to Real Madrid. The Dutch coach will begin his new role on July 1 with a contract running until 2027.

Ten Hag, 55, returns to European football after being sacked by Manchester United in October 2024. At United, he won both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup and secured a third-place Premier League finish during his first season.

“I’ve joined Leverkusen to match the club’s strong ambitions. It’s a great challenge to build and guide a top team in this exciting phase,” said Ten Hag.

He started his managerial journey in 2012 with Go Ahead Eagles, helping them earn promotion. He then coached Bayern Munich’s second team, winning the Bavarian Regional League title. After that, he managed FC Utrecht in the Netherlands before a highly successful spell at Ajax.

With Ajax, Ten Hag won six trophies, including the league and cup double in 2018-19. He also led Ajax to a famous UEFA Champions League semi-final run, defeating Real Madrid and Juventus along the way.

Bayer Leverkusen, who won the 2024 Bundesliga title, is confident in Ten Hag’s ability to maintain their progress. “His success at Ajax and his football style fit perfectly with our vision,” said Bayer’s sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Ten Hag now faces the challenge of continuing Leverkusen’s growth in the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League.