The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who is set to pen a three-year deal with Real Madrid on Monday, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of European football coaching. This transition underscores the fluid nature of managerial roles within top clubs, particularly in the current highly competitive landscape.
Ten Hag had been out of work since leaving Manchester United in October, creating a sense of anticipation around his next move. The former Ajax manager had plenty of suitors after his time at United, with several clubs, including his beloved Ajax, reportedly approaching him during his seven-month hiatus. However, the prospect of continuing his career in Germany has proven to be the most enticing option.
Now, the 55-year-old has officially committed to Bayer Leverkusen, a club that finished second in the Bundesliga this past season and is looking to build on that success. Ten Hag last week signed a two-year deal with Bayer, effectively tying him to the club until June 2027. This contract not only showcases Leverkusen’s trust in his capabilities but also indicates their ambition to be contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
Following Alonsoβs departure to Real Madrid, where the Basque coach is expected to be unveiled on Monday, Bayer Leverkusen has set its sights on Ten Hag. He is stepping into a position left by a manager who led the team to the 2023-24 Bundesliga title while remaining unbeaten throughout the season and capturing the German Cup. Alonso’s success left a considerable legacy, one that Ten Hag will aim to match or even surpass, despite the challenge of inheriting a squad that has already experienced some loss. In particular, the team is set to lose Jeremie Frimpong, who is bound for Liverpool, and there is speculation surrounding Florian Wirtz, the talented German midfielder who is also heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
Reports from The Athletic have indicated that Ten Hag had reached an agreement in principle to join Leverkusen, reinforcing his previous experience in German football where he served as the Bayern Munich II manager from 2013 to 2015. His return to Germany, coupled with his previous management experience at Ajax, suggests that he possesses a rich tactical knowledge that he hopes to deploy in the Bundesliga.
During his time at Manchester United, Ten Hag had notable successes, including winning the Carabao Cup in the 2022-23 season and the FA Cup the following year. However, his tenure at United was marred by inconsistency, leading to his dismissal in October when the club found itself languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after just nine rounds of matches. His replacement, Ruben Amorim, was brought in to reverse the club’s fortunes, but his exit left many questions about the direction of United.
In the 2023-24 season, Ten Hag presided over Unitedβs disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, a position the club had not experienced since 1990. Furthermore, they exited the Champions League at the group stage, compounding the sense of urgency for improvement.
Ten Hag previously enjoyed considerable success, winning three Eredivisie titles with Ajax and guiding the club to the Champions League semi-final stage in 2019, which included remarkable victories against elite teams such as Real Madrid and Juventus. This rich pedigree of achievement is what Bayer Leverkusen hopes to tap into as they embark on the next chapter of their club’s history, aiming to restore their status as a powerhouse in both German and European football.
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