Ten Hag signs two-year deal as Leverkusen new coach

Bayer Leverkusen has appointed Erik ten Hag as the team’s new head coach on a two-year contract running until June 2027.

Following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, the Bundesliga side opted for the former Manchester United manager.

Erik ten Hag previously served as the head coach of Ajax before switching to Man United in July 2022. He was later laid off of his position with the Red Devils in October 2024, and has been off duty since then.

Meanwhile, during his tenure at United, ten Hag won the EFL Cup in the 2022–23 season and the FA Cup in the 2023–24 season.

He was also named Premier League Manager of the Month three times; September 2022, February 2023, and November 2023.

The Dutchman also won the Eredivisie three times and two Dutch Cup with Ajax between 2018 and 2022.

Following his unveiling, ten Hag praised Leverkusen as one of the top team in Germany. “Bayer Leverkusen are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe,” Ten Hag stated.

“The club offers outstanding conditions. I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management.

“I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.

“It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes also highlighted Ten Hag’s success at Old Trafford as reason behind appointment.

“With Erik ten Hag, we are relying on an experienced coach with impressive sporting successes. His six title wins with Ajax Amsterdam were exceptional.

“With three championships and two cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch soccer unchallenged from 2018 to 2022. And Erik also proved his class as a coach with his subsequent successes with Manchester United under sometimes difficult conditions.

“Our ideas of soccer are the same. With technically demanding and dominant soccer, we want to continue to operate in the Werkself style in the future and strive for the highest goals in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Champions League.”

Erik ten Hag is expected to resume as manager immediately, ahead of the pre-season.