Former Manchester United boss in line for Bundesliga return amid managerial merry-go-round
The coaching carousel in European football is slowly beginning to spin again, and one familiar name is making headlines in Germany. Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United and Ajax head coach, has reportedly emerged as a “serious candidate” to take over at Bayer Leverkusen—just as Xabi Alonso edges closer to the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leverkusen have yet to enter into formal talks with Ten Hag, but the Bundesliga leaders are said to have “gathered information” on the 55-year-old Dutch tactician. It’s a signal that, behind the scenes, the German club is quietly preparing for the increasingly likely departure of Alonso, whose stock has risen astronomically over the past two seasons.
Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid? Leverkusen begin to weigh options
Leverkusen have enjoyed a dream season under Alonso, going unbeaten in the Bundesliga and charging into the semi-finals of the Europa League. But such success inevitably comes at a cost—namely, heightened interest from Europe’s elite.
All signs now point to Alonso returning to Real Madrid, the club where he lifted La Liga and the Champions League as a player. Current Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remains linked with a move to manage the Brazil national team after this summer’s Copa America, and Alonso has reportedly been marked as the heir apparent.
Should that happen, Leverkusen will need a new face to continue their upwards trajectory, and Ten Hag—despite his turbulent spell at Manchester United—is firmly on their radar.
Ten Hag United spell looks different in hindsight
On paper, Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United, which came to an unceremonious end in October, may not appear especially flattering. But in context, and when compared to the struggles his successor Ruben Amorim is currently experiencing, the Dutchman’s achievements now carry a different weight.
Ten Hag guided United to a top-four finish in his debut season and secured a Carabao Cup win—the club’s first silverware in six years. He also took them to an FA Cup final, albeit losing to rivals Manchester City. What followed in his second season was far less impressive: injuries piled up, the football lost its structure, and results became inconsistent. Eventually, United’s hierarchy decided a change was necessary.
Still, Ten Hag’s work at Ajax—where he took a young, energetic team to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019—remains highly respected across Europe. His experience in developing young talent, implementing a high-pressing system, and his overall footballing philosophy could be a strong fit for a Leverkusen side full of promise.
Speaking the language: Ten Hag’s German connection
One factor that may give Ten Hag an edge over other candidates is his prior connection to German football. During his early coaching years, he was in charge of Bayern Munich II, the reserve side of the Bavarian giants. It was during this stint that he worked within the same structure that nurtured the likes of Pep Guardiola and Julian Nagelsmann.
Importantly, Ten Hag is fluent in German—a detail that, according to Kicker, may put him ahead of other high-profile names such as Xavi Hernández, who is also said to be on Leverkusen’s shortlist. Communication and cultural understanding often make the difference when a coach moves abroad, and Ten Hag’s familiarity with Bundesliga culture could allow for a smoother transition.
A club on the rise: Why Leverkusen might suit Ten Hag
Should the Dutchman take the reins, he’d be inheriting a team that’s arguably one of the most exciting in Europe right now. Under Alonso, Leverkusen have become known for their fluid, attacking football, dynamic full-backs, and a relentless pressing game. The squad is also packed with young talents like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Victor Boniface—players who fit the mould of a Ten Hag system.
While it remains to be seen which of those players will stay should Alonso depart, the infrastructure and sporting vision at Leverkusen are aligned with what Ten Hag prefers: a long-term project, strong sporting directors, and a commitment to progressive football.
What next in the domino effect?
All of this, of course, depends on Alonso’s next move—and on Carlo Ancelotti’s future. If Ancelotti does leave Real Madrid for Brazil, it opens the door for Alonso to make his return to the Bernabéu, which in turn triggers the search for a new coach at Leverkusen.
But Ten Hag isn’t the only name being considered. As reported by Kicker, Xavi, who recently stepped down from his post at Barcelona, is also a strong contender. Though he lacks Bundesliga experience, Xavi has shown his ability to work with youth and play expansive football—traits Leverkusen value.
Still, the fact that the club has already begun gathering background on Ten Hag suggests he’s more than just a backup plan. He’s a viable, front-running option. A man who knows how to manage in the Champions League. A man who, given the right environment, could thrive again.
Final thoughts: A fresh start for Ten Hag?
After the pressure-cooker environment of Old Trafford, the calmer, more structured setup at Bayer Leverkusen might be exactly what Erik ten Hag needs. If the dominoes fall the right way, he could soon find himself back in the dugout at one of Europe’s most upwardly mobile clubs.
From Manchester to the Rhineland—Ten Hag’s next chapter might just begin where so many managers dream of restarting: in a league that champions tactical nuance, values long-term vision, and, crucially, trusts in coaches with a proven pedigree.
As for now, all eyes remain on Madrid. But in the background, Leverkusen are planning for a future that may once again see them punch above their weight—and perhaps, with Ten Hag on the touchline, write another remarkable chapter in their modern footballing story.
