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Former Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag in Line for New Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan White | Last updated May 24, 2025 3:07 PM ET

According to multiple reports, Erik Ten Hag and Bayer Leverkusen have an agreement in principle for him to become the club's manager.

The reported deal in place is for two seasons and it’s just waiting for its finalization.

Ten Hag replaces Xabi Alonso, who is set to join Real Madrid. The 55-year-old Dutchman returns to management after departing Manchester United in October 2024.

⚫️ The agreement in principle between Erik ten Hag and Bayer Leverkusen is valid for two years, as revealed yesterday.

Contract until June 2027, total priority from ETH to Bayer04 project… now waiting to get it sealed on club side. pic.twitter.com/OQIbkCMySp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2025

He brings a tactical emphasis on possession-based football and Bundesliga expertise as he previously managed Bayern Munich II from 2013 to 2015.

He won three Eredivisie titles and advanced to the 2019 Champions League semifinals during his time at Ajax (2018–2022). At United, he won the 2023 EFL Cup and 2024 FA Cup despite finishing in eighth position in the Premier League in 2024, so there’s clearly elite pedigree.

Ten Hag’s fluency in German and experience with developing youth align with Leverkusen’s future plans.

⚫️ Excl | Advanced negotiations are ongoing between Erik ten Hag and Bayer 04 Leverkusen!

Things are looking promising – Ten Hag has given the green light and is ready to succeed Xabi Alonso.

A deal could be finalised in the coming days.@SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/flcmtcHvjD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 24, 2025

This summer is a crucial one for Leverkusen. They finished in second place of the Bundesliga with 69 points and recapturing the success of Alonso will be difficult. He set a high bar after having 88 wins in 138 matches, going unbeaten during the 2023-2024 Bundesliga season.

The club is at risk of losing its stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, but bringing in Ten Hag likely brings stability if any top talent leaves.

While they have been in discussions with a number of candidates for the managerial role, Bayer Leverkusen, of course, has the last say. Ten Hag is prioritizing the opportunity at Leverkusen, even if he has an opportunity to return to Ajax.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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