Former Man Utd Manager Erik Ten Hag Close To Bundesliga Move

‎Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly close to appointing Erik ten Hag as Xabi Alonso’s successor, with talks said to be “very advanced.”

‎This move is part of the club’s plan to facilitate a smooth transition as Alonso potentially leaves for Real Madrid.

‎Despite falling behind Bayern Munich this season, Leverkusen remains in second place and aims to maintain stability during the change.

‎It emerged from Germany at the end of April that ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag had been identified as Leverkusen’s primary target.

‎Now, the kicker writes that with growing indications Alonso’s future away from the club is “virtually settled,” things have quickly progressed at Leverkusen to secure a replacement.

‎A deal with Ten Hag is claimed to close, “if not already in agreement”.

‎Ten Hag has been away from professional football for seven months following his dismissal by Manchester United in late October.

‎The Dutch coach faced consequences for a difficult start to the season, although his successor, Ruben Amorim, has also struggled to attain consistent results.

‎But Ten Hag still won two trophies, an EFL Cup and FA Cup, in his two full seasons, making him one of only six managers in the club’s 147-year history to deliver major silverware more than once.

‎The 55-year-old gained recognition during his highly successful tenure at Ajax, where he secured three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups.

‎He also led the team to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, coming within a kick of reaching the final after eliminating Real Madrid and Juventus along the way.

‎German football is familiar territory for Ten Hag. After spending a decade developing his coaching skills at the youth academy level and as an assistant, he had a brief but successful stint at Go Ahead Eagles.

‎This was followed by an offer to manage Bayern Munich II when Pep Guardiola took charge of the first team.

‎During his two years in Munich, Ten Hag’s team won the Bavarian State League.

‎He then returned to top-flight football in his home country, taking charge of his former club Utrecht.