Bayer Leverkusen has officially named Erik ten Hag as their new head coach, marking a significant transition for the Bundesliga club as they replace Xabi Alonso, who has departed for Real Madrid. The announcement, made on May 26, 2025, confirms that the 55-year-old Dutchman has signed a contract until 2027, bringing his experience and ambition to a team that has emerged as one of Germany’s footballing powerhouses. Ten Hag, previously sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a challenging two-year stint, expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating that Leverkusen is “one of the best clubs in Germany and among the top clubs in Europe,” with conditions that have impressed him greatly.
The appointment follows Leverkusen’s remarkable 2023-24 season under Alonso, where they clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title without a single defeat, alongside the DFB-Pokal, and reached the Europa League final. Although the 2024-25 campaign saw them finish second behind Bayern Munich, 13 points adrift, the club’s reputation as a dynamic, attacking force remains intact. Ten Hag, who previously managed Bayern Munich’s reserve team from 2013 to 2015 and led Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and a Champions League semi-final in 2019, is tasked with continuing this legacy while navigating a significant squad rebuild.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Ten Hag’s track record, highlighting his six title wins at Ajax and his ability to develop talents like Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch. Rolfes emphasized that Ten Hag’s style of “technically demanding and dominant football” aligns with Leverkusen’s philosophy, expressing confidence in his ability to compete for top honors in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League. However, Ten Hag faces immediate challenges, with key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah linked with moves away. Wirtz and Frimpong are reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool, with potential transfers that could net Leverkusen close to £150 million, while Tah is expected to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
Ten Hag acknowledged the task ahead, describing the process of rebuilding the squad as a “fantastic” opportunity. He aims to mold a new team that maintains Leverkusen’s reputation for attractive, attacking football. His prior experience in Germany, including coaching Bayern’s reserves under Pep Guardiola, gives him familiarity with the Bundesliga’s demands, though his time at Manchester United—where he won the FA Cup and League Cup but struggled with consistency—has drawn mixed reviews. Leverkusen’s decision to appoint Ten Hag came after considering other candidates, including Cesc Fàbregas, who opted to remain with Como in Serie A.