Erik ten Hag Identified as Potential Successor to Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen
According to a report by the Mirror, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso is expected to leave Leverkusen for Real Madrid, where he would replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to depart the Spanish giants.
Ten Hag, who was sacked by Manchester United in October, has been out of work since then. However, he could find himself back in the dugout if Alonso decides to leave Leverkusen for Real Madrid. The German club has reportedly gathered information on the Dutch manager and could make contact with him if Alonso departs.
The managerial merry-go-round is set to kick off with Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid. The Italian manager had agreed to become Brazil’s next manager but has since U-turned on that decision. He is now expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the domestic season or following the Club World Cup.
Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season, has been coy about his future plans. In a recent interview, he said: “It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season. I don’t want to talk about speculation and rumours.”
Leverkusen are set to surrender the title back to Bayern Munich this weekend but have still enjoyed a strong season, losing only two league games. They were also knocked out by Vincent Kompany’s Bayern in the Champions League round of 16.
Ten Hag, 55, has had opportunities to get back into management this season but has been keen on a fresh start for the 2025-26 campaign. Despite winning a trophy in both of his full years at Manchester United, an eighth-placed finish last term combined with a woeful start to this season spelled the end of his tenure.
The Dutch manager has recently opened up about his future plans, hinting that his next role in football might not be as a manager. “There are so many other things I could do,” Ten Hag told the SEG Stories podcast. “Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.”
Ten Hag also revealed that he has been working with his brothers and father on a business venture. “I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather; they have their own company. But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”
As the managerial merry-go-round continues to turn, Ten Hag could find himself back in the dugout sooner rather than later. The Mirror reports that Leverkusen are interested in appointing him as their new manager if Alonso departs for Real Madrid.
The question on everyone’s lips is: would Erik ten Hag be a good appointment for Bayer Leverkusen? Fans and pundits alike have been discussing the potential move, with some arguing that Ten Hag’s experience and tactical acumen would make him a good fit for the German club.
Only time will tell if Ten Hag will be appointed as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen. One thing is certain, however: the Dutch manager is ready to get back into management and make an impact in the football world.
The news has sparked a heated debate among football fans, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts on the potential appointment. As the story continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Mirror will be keeping a close eye on developments and providing updates as more information becomes available.
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