Erik ten Hag considered leading candidate to replace Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly a leading candidate to take over at Bayer Leverkusen should Xabi Alonso leave for Real Madrid.

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leverkusen view Erik Ten Hag as a “serious candidate,” although no formal talks have taken place.

The Bundesliga champions have, however, gathered information on the Dutchman as they prepare for the possibility of Alonso’s departure.

Alonso has been strongly linked with the managerial role at Real Madrid, especially if current boss Carlo Ancelotti vacates the post to lead the Brazil national team.

Should that happen, Leverkusen may turn to Ten Hag, whose stock remains high despite a mixed spell at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United ended in October, but recent struggles under successor Rúben Amorim have cast his tenure in a more favourable light.

The 55-year-old could find Leverkusen an ideal landing spot, particularly given his prior experience in the Bundesliga.

German outlet Kicker reports that both Ten Hag and former Barcelona boss Xavi are considered “hot candidates” for the role.

However, Ten Hag may have an edge due to his fluency in German and previous coaching stint at Bayern Munich. Kicker further claims that he is Leverkusen’s top choice.

With Alonso’s future undecided and Madrid potentially in the market for a new manager, Ten Hag could soon find himself back in the dugout—this time in charge of one of Europe’s most exciting sides.