Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is Bayer Leverkusen’s second choice to replace Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso.
The Dutchman found success at AFC Ajax and was appointed United manager in 2022.
He had a successful first season in charge guiding the club to a third place finish and also winning the Carabao Cup.
The following season saw a huge downturn in league performances as the side finished in eighth place. Nonetheless, they did finish the season on a high, winning the FA Cup against Manchester City.
Ten Hag was finally sacked in October last year after United failed to improve upon their league performances.
Since his departure, the Dutchman has been linked to several jobs but looks like he may be close to a return to management.
Teams such as Borussia Dortmund and his old side Ajax have been linked with him but it seems he is high up Leverkusen’s shortlist to replace Alonso.
The Mirror report that “former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to become the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen if they’re unable to appoint Cesc Fabregas.”
The Germans are reportedly still in talks with Como over appointing Fabregas as manager of the club.
Nonetheless, the ambitious Italians are desperate to keep hold of the former Arsenal midfielder and this may see Leverkusen turn to Ten Hag, who is currently without a club.
He should certainly know their decision soon as Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has claimed the appointment process will be concluded shortly.
Speaking on the plan to replace Alonso he claimed, “I believe we’ll wrap this up in May. We’re in the final stages now, and it will definitely happen this month.”
Were Ten Hag to be offered the job, it would be an attractive proposition to join a Champions League team who comfortably finished second in the Bundesliga.
Nonetheless it would not all be plain-sailing, as he would likely be joining a squad that will be without three departing stars in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
