Bayer Leverkusen have sacked Erik ten Hag after just three games in charge of the Bundesliga side, which was half expected given the torrid time he endured towards the end of his Manchester United career.
Ten Hag joined Leverkusen in the summer, with the Dutchman embarking on his first managerial role since being dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024.
It’s safe to say it hasn’t gone according to plan. Despite being backed in the transfer window, he’s been dismissed as the quickest managerial dismissal in Bundesliga history.
SV Werder Bremen v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Now, the German side are left to pick up the pieces, much like Manchester United, who shifted some of Ten Hag’s deadwood on transfer deadline day.
That said, there was one man he wanted who didn’t join – who actually secured a Premier League move on deadline day.
Brian Brobbey joined Sunderland
Sunderland announced the signing of Brian Brobbey on transfer deadline day. The Dutch striker made the switch from Ajax, putting pen to paper and signing a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
This came after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu’s loan after Liam Delap’s injury, which allowed Nicolas Jackson to secure a deadline-day loan move to Bayern Munich.
Brobbey joins the Black Cats in what was a monumental window for Regis Le Bris’ side. Amid a summer of ridiculous Premier League spending, they were right up there.
Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Brian Brobbey! 😍🇳🇱
Moving to Wearside from Ajax, the 23-year-old striker has signed a five-year contract.
✍️ @livescore
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 1, 2025
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It’s needed, with Sunderland tipped for a Premier League relegation battle this season.
Erik ten Hag wanted Brobbey at Manchester United
But had Brobbey joined Manchester United in 2022, it could have been so different. He was reportedly keen to sign the Ajax forward in a deal worth £34m to compete or replace the struggling Rasmus Hojlund.
“Ten Hag wanted to pay another €40m (£34m) for him, “Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen told Voetbal Primeur. Brobbey himself also confirmed United interest.
Brobbey only scored eight goals last season, so he wouldn’t exactly have reached dizzying heights at Old Trafford.
Why was Erik ten Hag sacked at Bayer Leverkusen?
Reports indicate that Ten Hag’s communication skills with the players, the board, and even the fans were lacking.
Ten Hag publicly responded to the sackings, openly disagreeing with the sentiments above.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a manager after just two league matches is unprecedented,” said Ten Hag.
“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
SV Werder Bremen v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.”
Ten Hag will now search for another managerial role – where that will be – remains to be seen.