Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is close to finalizing a deal to take over as head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, replacing Xabi Alonso.
Ten Hag has been out of management since his dismissal from Manchester United in October.
While he has received several offers in recent months, the Dutch tactician chose to wait until the summer before making a return to the dugout.
Sources earlier this month suggested that the former Ajax boss was targeting a comeback in early July and was open to the right opportunity.
That opportunity appears to have come from Leverkusen, who are preparing for life after Alonso.
The Spaniard is widely expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid following his remarkable stint in Germany.
Alonso led Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in 2024—the club’s first ever—achieving an unbeaten league campaign.
He also guided the team to a domestic double after defeating Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final.
Although the club fell short of repeating their historic form this season, they still secured a second-place finish and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Ten Hag, 55, brings with him experience in German football, having managed Bayern Munich’s second team from 2013 to 2015.
During his time at Manchester United, he won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and achieved a third-place Premier League finish in the 2022–23 season.
Despite a surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last season, United parted ways with Ten Hag following a 2–1 loss to West Ham on October 28.
