Erik Ten Hag in ‘advanced talks’ with Bundesliga side | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag to Bayer Leverkusen? Signs Point to a Swift Bundesliga Return

Smooth Transition from Alonso to Ten Hag?

Bayer Leverkusen appear to be preparing for life after Xabi Alonso, with plans reportedly “very advanced” for Erik ten Hag to take over at the BayArena. As per Kicker, Leverkusen’s contingency plan has rapidly gained momentum with Alonso’s exit to Real Madrid now seen as “virtually settled”. The process is designed to avoid turbulence and keep the club on a forward trajectory.

Photo by IMAGO

This would mark a remarkable shift for Ten Hag, who has been out of the game since his “dismissal by Manchester United in late October”. Leverkusen’s ambition, however, suggests they’re not concerned by his recent dismissal, but instead encouraged by his broader CV.

Achievements Still Speak Volumes

Though his Old Trafford tenure ended prematurely, Ten Hag is one of only six managers in United’s 147-year history to win more than one major trophy. “Ten Hag still won two trophies – an EFL Cup and FA Cup – in his two full seasons”, a feat that reflects resilience amidst turmoil. His issues at United were structural as much as tactical, something his successor Ruben Amorim is also reportedly struggling with.

Ten Hag’s credentials at Ajax remain his strongest pitch: three Eredivisie titles, two domestic cups and a Champions League semi-final that famously saw off Real Madrid and Juventus. The question is whether he can reignite that tactical spark in a more stable, ambitious setting.

German Roots and Familiar Ground

Ten Hag’s Bundesliga return would not be unfamiliar territory. His time at Bayern Munich II, where “Ten Hag’s side won the Bavarian state league”, gave him experience within the German footballing pyramid. He also coached at youth and assistant levels, which could allow for a smoother adaptation than many foreign appointments.

Photo: IMAGO

Leverkusen are currently second in the Bundesliga, and while they’ve dropped behind Bayern Munich, their intent to manage a clean handover from Alonso to Ten Hag is a sign of long-term thinking.

Timely Revival or Another Gamble?

The allure of Ten Hag lies in his tactical clarity and developmental eye. Leverkusen’s young, talented squad—many of whom have been moulded by Alonso’s vision—may find a natural evolution under a coach who thrives in systems and structure. Yet his critics will question whether a manager, freshly bruised from the Premier League, is ready to step into another high-pressure role.

Still, the Kicker report signals that a deal is “close, if not already in agreement”. If confirmed, it would underline Leverkusen’s belief that Ten Hag is far from finished.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Bundesliga Fan Reaction

There’s a buzz in the air at the BayArena—and rightly so. If Leverkusen really are about to secure Erik ten Hag, it’s a bold but exciting move that sends a message: this club plans to stay at the top.

Sure, Ten Hag’s United stint ended with a whimper, but people forget the context. A broken recruitment system, injury crises, off-pitch drama—he still delivered two trophies in two years. How many managers could’ve done better in that chaos?

Leverkusen fans should be encouraged. Ten Hag understands German football, having been part of Bayern’s DNA, and he thrives when given time and control—something he’ll likely get more of in Leverkusen’s well-run structure.

The worry, of course, is whether the scars of Old Trafford linger. But the upside? Massive. With stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong in the squad, this could be Ten Hag 2.0—more measured, more ruthless, more successful.

If this move is finalised, it won’t just soften Alonso’s departure. It could elevate Leverkusen into a new era of serious European contention.