Erik ten Hag is set to reunite with one former Manchester United star as he prepares for his first campaign as Bayer Leverkusen boss.
It’s safe to say the Dutchman has big boots to fill after being chosen to succeed invincible Bundesliga-winning manager Xabi Alonso this summer, who departed the BayArena for Real Madrid back in May.
Ten Hag had been out of work since being relieved of his duties by INEOS in October last year; the board opted to cut ties following a dismal start to the campaign and he left the club 14th-placed in the Premier League, having won only three of their opening nine matches, as well as 21st in the Europa League standings.
Erik ten Hag’s Leverkusen begin targeting Victor Lindelof
Nonetheless, he now faces an entirely new challenge over in Germany.
Leverkusen finished runners-up behind Bayern Munich — who were restored to their usual perch atop the table — last season, meaning Ten Hag will have Champions League football to navigate throughout 2025/2026.
The side has had to bid farewell to a handful of influential stars, with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong making the move to Liverpool, Granit Xhaka signing for Sunderland and Jonathan Tah joining rivals Bayern.
To replace the latter, a senior centre-half, Ten Hag has set his sights on a familiar face to bolster his ranks: Victor Lindelof.
What next for Lindelof?
Lindelof’s eight-year stay at Old Trafford came to an end upon the culmination of his contract in June, with United opting against offering him fresh terms and instead allowing him to leave as a free agent.
He has yet to make a decision on where he’ll ply his trade next, having spent the best part of his senior career with the Reds and Benfica.
As confirmed by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg this morning, the 31-year-old is now being targeted by Leverkusen for his ‘experience’ and ‘leadership qualities’.
