Ten Hag open to Bundesliga or Premier League return | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag Considered for Bayer Leverkusen Role

Erik ten Hag has emerged as a serious contender to take over at Bayer Leverkusen, following Xabi Alonso’s confirmed departure at the end of the current season. The 55-year-old Dutch coach, currently out of work since leaving Manchester United, is one of several names being discussed by the Bundesliga club’s hierarchy as they prepare for a pivotal managerial appointment.

Alonso’s tenure at Leverkusen has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having led the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023–24, completing the campaign unbeaten in domestic competition, he also guided them to a DFB-Pokal triumph. Their only blemish came in the Europa League final, where they were beaten by Atalanta.

With Alonso bound for new pastures — and widely tipped to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid — Leverkusen are assessing all options. Among those is Ten Hag, whose pedigree in both the Eredivisie and European football makes him an attractive prospect.

Ten Hag’s Past Adds Weight to Leverkusen Interest

Ten Hag brings more than just top-level experience. His familiarity with German football dates back to his stint at Bayern Munich II from 2013 to 2015, during which he worked under the club’s then-manager Pep Guardiola. This past connection to German football and a working knowledge of Bundesliga culture could prove valuable should Leverkusen decide to make a move.

He is reportedly open to returning to Germany, but sources indicate he is equally interested in another opportunity in the Premier League. After a turbulent spell at Manchester United, the Dutchman is carefully weighing his next move.

Ten Hag was relieved of his duties at United in October 2024, with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League and having managed just four wins in 14 matches across all competitions. Ruben Amorim was named as his replacement, but questions still linger about United’s decision-making structure during his tenure.

Mixed Legacy at Manchester United

Though his time at Old Trafford was ultimately cut short, Ten Hag’s first season offered optimism. He guided United to third in the league and delivered the Carabao Cup — their first silverware in six years. He also secured a return to the Champions League, restoring hope to a club craving success.

However, the following campaign proved far more challenging. United crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage and limped to an eighth-place finish in the league, their worst since 1990. Nevertheless, Ten Hag signed off with a high note: a shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City, which booked United’s place in next season’s Europa League.

The Dutchman had been retained following a summer review and even saw his contract extended, only for results to spiral early in the 2024–25 campaign.

Alonso’s Exit Leaves Big Boots to Fill

Leverkusen’s search for Alonso’s successor is ongoing, and while no decision has been finalised, Erik ten Hag’s name is being taken seriously at the BayArena. Interest had also been shown in Como’s head coach Cesc Fàbregas, but there is growing expectation that the Spaniard will remain in Serie A next season.

Meanwhile, Alonso is preparing for what appears to be a return to Real Madrid, this time as manager. Talks between representatives of Alonso and the Spanish giants have taken place this season, with the 42-year-old viewed as the long-term successor to Ancelotti, who is set to become Brazil’s national team manager.

If Ten Hag does land in Leverkusen, it would mark a return to a league he knows and respects, and one where his tactical approach may find a more appreciative stage than in the chaos of Old Trafford.