Bayer Leverkusen are closing in on a managerial appointment to replace Kasper Hjulmand, turning to a former Chelsea defender in a bid to replicate the legendary Xabi Alonso era.
Xabi Alonso’s time at Bayer Leverkusen was nothing short of legendary. Taking over a struggling side in 2022, the Spaniard completely changed the club’s identity. He implemented a fluid, dominant brand of possession football that resulted in the unbeaten domestic double in the 2023/24 season, securing Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title.
Since his departure, Bayer Leverkusen have struggled to replicate his magic. An unstable 2025/26 campaign saw Erik ten Hag sacked after just three games, followed by a turbulent tenure under Kasper Hjulmand, who is now set to be replaced.
However, it’s no longer Alonso’s worry, as he’s set to kickstart his tenure at Chelsea.
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Filipe Luis the favourite for the Bayer Leverkusen job
According to Florian Plettenberg, Filipe Luis is currently the top favourite to become the new Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach to replace Kasper Hjulmand.
Negotiations have started. Leverkusen also has concrete option B and C on the shortlist, but Luis is currently the clear priority target.
Filipe Luis was considered for the Chelsea job prior to the Blues appointing Xabi Alonso, but his lack of experience let him down compared to the other candidates.
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Filipe Luis is off to a brilliant start in his managerial career
Stepping into coaching shortly after his retirement, Luis enjoyed a successful time of things in Flamengo’s youth ranks before taking the first-team reins. And it didn’t take long for trophies, as he secured the Copa do Brasil, the Supercopa, and the prestigious Copa Libertadores title.
Deploying a fluid style of play, Luis has maintained an incredibly high win percentage, but the real test will come when he tries to replicate his magic in Europe.
Luis has already been linked with the Strasbourg job as well.
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