Fabrizio Romano, a leading football transfer expert, reported that Leverkusen have made significant progress in negotiations with the 55-year-old Dutchman. "Bayer Leverkusen made progress in talks with Erik ten Hag to become their new head coach," Romano said on X. "Ten Hag has given his total availability after direct contact taking place earlier this week."
Ajax, where Ten Hag enjoyed a successful four-and-a-half-year spell, had targeted him to replace Francesco Farioli, who left the club due to disagreements with the board. Ajax technical director Alex Kroes confirmed he spoke with Ten Hag during the club's final Eredivisie match against FC Twente, which Ajax won 2-0. "Erik ten Hag has been on the list for a long time," Kroes said. "He did a fantastic job when he was here."
However, Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported that Ajax have shifted focus to other candidates after Ten Hag signaled his intent to pursue alternative opportunities.
Ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United ended in October 2024 after a turbulent two-and-a-half years. Despite securing the 2023 Carabao Cup and 2024 FA Cup, United struggled with inconsistency, finishing eighth in the 2023/24 Premier League season and languishing in 14th at the time of his dismissal.
Critics pointed to a lack of tactical identity and persistent injuries as key issues, with United conceding 58 goals in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, their worst defensive record in the competition's history.
Leverkusen's interest stems from the impending departure of Xabi Alonso, who is set to join Real Madrid after leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023/24.
Although Leverkusen are currently second in the Bundesliga, 11 points behind Bayern Munich with one matchday remaining, they remain an attractive destination with a talented squad featuring stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, plus guaranteed Champions League football next season.
Ten Hag's prior experience in Germany, where he managed Bayern Munich's reserve team from 2013 to 2015, could ease his transition. His time at Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and guided the team to the 2018/19 Champions League semi-finals with victories over Real Madrid and Juventus, underscores his ability to develop young talent and implement a high-pressing style.
Leverkusen's proactive approach signals their ambition to maintain their status among Europe's elite. While Ten Hag's stint at United drew criticism, his track record suggests he could thrive in Leverkusen's structured environment.
With Ajax no longer in contention, Leverkusen appear to have a clear path to secure Ten Hag's signature, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter in the Dutchman's managerial career.
Liverpool have reportedly launched an audacious move to secure Bayer Leverkusen's star midfielder Florian Wirtz, outpacing rivals Bayern Munich in the race for the German sensation's signature.
Newcastle United have firmly rebuffed Liverpool's approach for their talismanic striker Alexander Isak, signaling their intent to keep the Swedish star at St James' Park, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Borussia Dortmund's talented goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, dismissing speculation about a potential summer move, according to recent reports and his own statements.
Borussia Dortmund have set their sights on Sunderland's rising star Jobe Bellingham, making the 19-year-old midfielder their primary target for the summer transfer window, according to multiple reports.
