Erik ten Hag has been appointed as Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach, signing a contract until June 2027. The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid.
Ten Hag, 55, returns to management after being sacked by Manchester United in October 2024. He won the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Old Trafford but left following a poor start to the season.
Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga and reached the German Cup semi-finals this season, after winning both competitions the year before under Alonso.
“Bayer is one of the best clubs in Germany and belongs to the expanded European elite,” Ten Hag said. “I’ve come to help confirm and elevate those ambitions.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Ten Hag’s “impressive” record, citing his title-winning spell at Ajax and resilience at United.
