Erik ten Hag appointed as Xabi Alonso’s successor at Bayer Leverkusen

Former Manchester United and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has been announced as the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

He will replace Xabi Alonso, who is set to take over at Real Madrid and is expected to be officially unveiled on Monday.

Leverkusen, who finished second in the Bundesliga this season, have turned to the Dutchman following his dismissal from Manchester United in October.

Read more: Bayer Leverkusen reach agreement in principle with Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag has signed a contract with Bayer Leverkusen that runs until 2027.

The 55-year-old also has experience in German football, having previously worked as a coach at Bayern Munich.

“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional,” said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.

“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.

“Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”

Read more: Florian Wirtz leaning towards Liverpool – Bayern Munich

Ten Hag is also looking forward to his new role, as well as the challenge of Leverkusen and the Bundesliga.

“Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe. The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management,” said Ten Hag.

“I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”

Read more: Liverpool win race to sign Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz