Erik ten Hag is the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen, official and confirmed. The Dutchman has earned his first head coach position since departing Manchester United in the 24/25 season.
Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United after a bad start to the new campaign with the Red Devils. A season that after Ruben Amorim took over, only got worse.
The Dutchman will replace Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen’s new manager, with great expectations, given the Spaniard’s impressive record with Werkself.
Nevertheless, the role will come with numerous trials and tribulations for Ten Hag to navigate around. One issue, the former Manchester United manager will have to look to solve immediately.
Erik ten Hag will probably lose Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
Joining a club, and then losing your best player, is not an ideal scenario. Such is the case with Florian Wirtz and Ten Hag.
Wirtz looks Liverpool-bound. Arne Slot looks set to splash out nine figures on the Germany international, in what will be a simply ludicrous transfer.
Leverkusen are understood to value the 22-year-old attacking midfielder at a remarkable €150m (£126m). If they decided to pay that fee, he would become the most expensive Premier League signing of all time.
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The newly crowned Premier League champions have submitted a first offer, but it’s unknown as to whether this will be accepted.
🚨💣 Liverpool first official bid for Florian Wirtz in excess of €100m package with add-ons has been received by Bayer Leverkusen.
Club to club negotiations underway, restarting today to get the deal done very soon.
Wirtz already told Bayer that he only wants Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/rhVakmBulA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2025
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Ten Hag will have money to spend, and will need to sign a creative outlet to replace the genius of Wirtz. Something he got entirely wrong during his time at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag failed in signing creative outlet Mason Mount
Of course, when Ten Hag went out to sign an attacking artist at Manchester United – he went for Chelsea’s Mason Mount. With hindsight in our favour, this didn’t work out.
Ten Hag was a big fan of Mount, having tried to sign him during his time at Ajax. The Dutchman appreciated the Champions League winner’s goalscoring, versatility and, overall, thought he’d be a great fit for Manchester United.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
It’s a shame he didn’t take his fitness into account.
Ten Hag can’t afford to make that same mistake at Leverkusen. His job will be one that is scrutinised from minute one, and this may be just the first of many big decisions he’ll have to make at the helm of the Bundesliga powerhouses.