Erik ten Hag Officially Appointed as Bayer Leverkusen Coach

Erik ten Hag has officially been appointed as the new coach of Bayer Leverkusen — the club that recently finished second in the Bundesliga this season.

The 55-year-old Dutch coach takes over from Xabi Alonso, who chose to join Real Madrid. Ten Hag had been inactive since parting ways with Manchester United last October.

Leverkusen retains most of the squad that won the Bundesliga title undefeated in the 2023-24 season. The agreement was reached after constructive talks between Ten Hag and the club.

“With Erik ten Hag, we bring in an experienced coach with impressive achievements. His six titles with Ajax are extraordinary,” said Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes.

“Leverkusen is one of the top clubs in Germany and among the elite in Europe. I come to Leverkusen to continue the ambition shown in recent years,” said Ten Hag.

A new challenge awaits Ten Hag, as he may lose star player Florian Wirtz, who is rumored to leave this summer, with Liverpool being the strongest candidate to sign him.