Agreement Reached between Bayer and Football Coach Ten Hag: Finalized Transaction - Bayer AG reportedly reached an agreement with Ajax Amsterdam manager Erik ten Hag.
Bayer Leverkusen Set to Appoint Erik ten Hag as New Head Coach
Bayer Leverkusen is poised to welcome Erik ten Hag as its new head coach, according to reports by German outlet Kicker. The 55-year-old Dutchman has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the Bundesliga side, following previous speculation that included Cesc Fabregas as a possible contender for the role.
Discussions over the deal had been ongoing, but Bayer Leverkusen has now reportedly made a final decision in favor of ten Hag. The contract details are still under negotiation but are expected to be formalized soon.
Emulating the high-pressing, possession-based football style honed during his tenure at Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United, ten Hag brings a wealth of experience to the German vice-champion. His appointment follows the departure of Xabi Alonso, who is now with Real Madrid.
Early Career
Ten Hag began his managerial journey with Dutch second-tier side Go Ahead Eagles, leading them to an Eredivisie promotion—their first in 17 years.
Bayern Munich II
In 2013, he coached Bayern Munich's reserve team in Germany's Regionalliga, garnering the moniker "Mini Pep" for his philosophy that mirrored Pep Guardiola's. He achieved a Regionalliga title in the 2013/14 season.
Ajax
Ten Hag made his mark as Ajax's head coach from 2018, becoming known for developing young talents like Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt. His Ajax team reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season, earning praise for their dynamic possession-based football.
Manchester United
Following his success at Ajax, ten Hag took on the challenge of managing Manchester United, where he maintained his reputation for meticulous attention to detail and tactical acumen.
Bayer Leverkusen Role
The appointment of ten Hag by Bayer Leverkusen comes ahead of the 2025/26 season as they seek to build upon their recent achievements under Xabi Alonso. The club believes ten Hag's experience with top-tier clubs and youth development will help sustain their competitive progress in the Bundesliga and in European football.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes highlighted ten Hag's impressive record at Ajax and his resilience and success during testing times at Manchester United as key factors in his appointment.
Erik ten Hag, a highly regarded coach, is expected to blend tactical expertise, youth development, and disciplined training at Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to enhance the club's standing in both the Bundesliga and European football.
In the upcoming 2025/26 season, Erik ten Hag's appointment by Bayer Leverkusen promises to bolster their competitive progress in the Bundesliga and European leagues, drawing upon his proven experience with top-tier clubs and youth development. As a seasoned coach with a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, ten Hag will seek to integrate tactical expertise, youth development, and disciplined training at Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to emulate the freedom to provide services and success he achieved in European-leagues like Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United.
