OFFICIAL: Erik ten Hag appointed as new Bayer Leverkusen head coach

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 26 May 2025 10:24 BST
• 4 min read

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Erik ten Hag has officially been appointed as the new Bayer Leverkusen head coach following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid.

The Dutchman has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United in October, but he has signed a two-contract with Leverkusen to seal his return to management.

Ten Hag, 55, has been heavily linked with a return to Ajax in recent weeks, following Francesco Farioli’s exit, however he has opted to join Leverkusen on a deal until 2027 instead.

Following confirmation of his Leverkusen appointment, Ten Hag told the club’s official website: “Bayer 04 is one of the best clubs in Germany and also belongs to the extended European elite. The club offers excellent conditions, and the discussions with the management have impressed me greatly.

“I came to Leverkusen to confirm the ambitions that have grown in recent years. It is an exciting task to build something together and develop an ambitious team in this phase of change.”

Erik ten Hag appointed as new Bayer Leverkusen boss

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes added: “With Erik ten Hag, we are relying on an experienced coach with impressive sporting success. His six titles with Ajax Amsterdam were exceptional.

“With three league titles and two cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football undisputedly from 2018 to 2022. And with his subsequent successes with Manchester United, under sometimes difficult conditions, Erik has also proven his class as a coach.

“Our ideas about football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to continue to operate in the Werkself style and strive for the highest goals in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, and Champions League.”

Ten Hag spent just over two years with Man Utd before being fired in October, guiding the club to Carabao Cup glory during his debut campaign and FA Cup success in his second season.

However, he was sacked after the Red Devils’ worst start to a Premier League season in history.

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