Former United coach as successor: Erik ten Hag to replace Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen

Former United coach Erik ten Hag to replace Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen 01.05.2025, 23:32

Decision made? According to consistent media reports, Bayer Leverkusen is negotiating with Erik ten Hag as the successor to head coach Xabi Alonso. The talks are reportedly already well advanced.

Xabi Alonso continues to keep his cards close to his chest, but Bayer Leverkusen are said to be very far along in the process of finding a successor to their star coach, who is being courted by Real Madrid. As "kicker" reports, the management of last season's double winner has "not only settled on Dutchman Erik ten Hag, but is said to have at least made considerable progress in talks with him, if not already reached an agreement."

As the trade magazine further reports, there have been increasing signs since Thursday evening that the coaching question is "virtually settled." According to the TV channel Sky, however, while concrete talks have taken place with ten Hag, other coaches are still on the list.

Alonso about to join Real

Ten Hag, 55, was coach of Bayern Munich II from 2013 to 2015, and made a name for himself internationally as the successful coach of Ajax Amsterdam (2017 to 2022). With the traditional Dutch club, he won the league four times and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. As team manager of Manchester United from July 2022, he experienced more lows than highs, trying to cope with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, among others. He was sacked by the Red Devils on October 28, 2024, despite having won the FA Cup with United that same year.

Alonso's contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2026. However, his departure is considered just as likely as Carlo Ancelotti's at Real Madrid. Leverkusen traditionally relies on a smooth transition when it comes to the coaching position. According to "kicker," the club could already "react immediately" to Xabi Alonso's departure, which is expected to become official after this season at the latest. That means introducing Ten Hag.