Erik ten Hag officially signs Siebe van Langen

Erik ten Hag may no longer be in the Manchester United dugout, but the former Red Devils manager is already leaving his mark in a very different role.

Since returning to FC Twente earlier this year, the Dutchman has thrown himself into the club’s long-term project, focusing on developing young talent rather than managing from the touchline.

Although appointed as technical director, recent footage has shown Ten Hag taking an active role around first-team training, highlighting just how hands-on he intends to be.

His return to the Eredivisie came after a turbulent spell away from the Netherlands.

Erik ten Hag was dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen in September 2025 after just three competitive matches before agreeing to become FC Twente’s technical director in February 2026, replacing long-serving director Jan Streuer as part of the club’s restructuring plans.

He has also ruled himself out of contention for the Netherlands national team job, insisting he has no plans to leave Twente despite recent speculation.

Siebe van Langen officially signed by Erik ten Hag

Now, the former Manchester United boss has overseen another important step in the club’s future after highly-rated goalkeeper Siebe van Langen signed his first professional contract, as the club announced on their website.

The 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal running until the summer of 2029.

Van Langen, who comes from Denekamp, joined the FC Twente/Heracles Academy back in 2018 after making the move from amateur side SDC ’12.

The goalkeeper has progressed through every academy age group since arriving and is regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Ten Hag was full of praise for the teenager after the deal was announced.

“Siebe has signed his first contract with FC Twente, a great milestone. From the moment Siebe joined the academy as a youth goalkeeper, he was considered a talent.

“Years of investing in that talent have led to this well-deserved contract. It is always nice when it involves a boy from the region.

“It is a new start to a hopefully successful career. Siebe has that in his own hands. With the right people around him, he will succeed.”

Van Langen also admitted the moment carried extra significance because of his lifelong connection to the club.

“This is a very special moment and a reward for those years in the academy.

“I have gained many wonderful experiences over the past few years, both as a footballer and as a person. It is great to sign for the club you have supported since childhood.”

Ten Hag’s focus at Twente has shifted from immediate results to building a sustainable future, and handing academy graduates long-term opportunities appears to be a key part of that vision.