Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is making huge changes to Bayer Leverkusen's squad.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag. (Image: Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag is reportedly on the verge of selling ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar - for the second time - this summer.
Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 and a year later sold Kovar to Bayer Leverkusen for €9million (£7.78million). This was after the now 25-year-old spent a season on loan at Sparta Prague.
After moving to Leverkusen, Kovar became the German outfit's second choice including during their triumphant Bundesliga season, where they ended Bayern Munich's reign of dominance. Last season, Kovar continued to play second fiddle to stalwart goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky - but did feature in the Champions League on six occasions.
At the end of the 2024/2025 campaign, Xabi Alonso left the club to join Real Madrid as their new head coach and Ten Hag was appointed as his successor. Now, as the preparations start to ramp up for the new season, it appears that Kovar will, once again, be sold by the Dutchman.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Kovar is on the verge of joining PSV Eindhoven. The deal is expected to cost €5million (£4.3million) with a further €2million (£1.7million) included in potential bonuses.
Kovar has impressed when called upon by Leverkusen which could lead to some wondering why United weren't looking at him, considering the difficulties they have suffered in that position. However, speaking to Czech outlet Sport in 2024, the goalkeeper insisted that there'd been no talk around a return to Old Trafford.
Matej Kovar pictured acknowledging the Bayer Leverkusen supporters.
Matej Kovar pictured acknowledging the Bayer Leverkusen supporters.
"No, I have not. It's important for me to start playing regularly and establish a position in Leverkusen," Kovar said when asked if United had approached him regarding a return.
"Then, we will see what happens in the future. Somehow I didn't notice it [Andre Onana's struggles].
"But we have an Englishman in the team, Nathan Tella, who told me something about it. He's on the phone a lot, and told me about fans mentioning my name in some context.
"Of course, they're [United] still my heart. I spent many years at the club.
"I'll take a look when I get a chance. United are going through a difficult season.
"The results are like a merry-go-round. But it's a big and great club, I hope it gets back to the top, but we agreed that going to Leverkusen made sense."
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