Bayer Leverkusen reach agreement in principle with Erik ten Hag

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly reached an “agreement in principle” with Dutch manager Erik ten Hag following Xabi Alonso’s imminent departure to Real Madrid in the summer.

Leverkusen have been locked in negotiations with the former Manchester United and Ajax boss over the week in a bid to lure him back into management after confirmation of Alonso’s exit.

According to journalist David Ornstein, things have progressed quickly, as Leverkusen are now working to finalize the paperwork and make the deal official soon.

🚨 Bayer Leverkusen reach agreement in principle to install Erik ten Hag as head coach. Now documentation stage as #Bayer04 work to finalise appointment of 55yo Dutchman following departure of Xabi Alonso. Would be first job since #MUFC exit @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/bnQIIOA5tk
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 24, 2025

Ten Hag has been out of work since he departed from United in 2024, following a string of poor results that saw the club fail to progress in the Premier League or European competition.

Ten Hag was appointed in 2022 as the manager for the Red Devils. During his tenure at the club, United won the EFL Cup and FA Cup in successive seasons.

The Dutch manager is set to return to management for the first time since being sacked by United. According to The Athletic, Bayer Leverkusen have “reached an agreement in principle” to appoint Ten Hag and are now finalising the move.

Claudio Ranieri provides update next Roma manager — Erik ten Hag to return to management at Bayer Leverkusen(Image credit: Getty Images)

The 55-year-old boss will take over from Alonso, who is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti as successor at the Berbabeu

Per reports by Bild, Ten Hag is ready to prove that he is a top manager again after his Red Devils struggles.

Ten Hag’s reportedly beat off competition from Como manager Cesc Fabregas, who is set to stay in Italy beyond the summer.

His previous experience in Germany was as Bayern Munich II manager between 2013 and 2015, which reportedly played a big part in his appointment with the DieWerkself.

Leverkusen won the title for the first time under Alonso in 2023/24 but finished 13 points behind Bayern Munich in the current campaign.

Leverkusen are hoping to announce the new appointment soon, while Ten Hag starts preparation for the new campaign and a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga.