Erik ten Hag is in the running to become the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen after Xabi Alonso waved goodbye ahead of his as yet unconfirmed move to Real Madrid
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to become the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen if they’re unable to appoint Cesc Fabregas. Leverkusen are bidding to replace Xabi Alonso, who confirmed his departure earlier this month and is expected to join Real Madrid after agreeing a return to the Bernabeu.
Alonso, 43, enjoyed unprecedented success in his two-and-a-half years with Leverkusen, winning an unbeaten league and cup double last term before surrendering the title to a resurgent Bayern Munich this season. Succeeding him will be a tall order, especially with star trio Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah unlikely to be part of the squad.
Who’ll be in charge of that squad remains to be seen, as Fabregas is said to be Bundesliga club’s preferred candidate. Sky Germany report that Leverkusen are still locked in talks with Como, who Fabregas became the manager of last summer following their promotion to Serie A.
With one game to go, the ex-Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder is on course to guide Como to a top-half finish, piquing the interest of clubs across Europe. As Mirror Football reported earlier this week, the Italian club are desperate to keep hold of Fabregas – who’s also a target for RB Leipzig – and that could force Leverkusen to turn to Ten Hag.
Having been sacked by United in October, the Dutchman has been patient for his next role. Ten Hag is understood to be Leverkusen’s second choice, as the German giants aim to complete the process by the end of next week.
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Sporting director Simon Rolfes addressed the situation following their 2-2 draw with Mainz on Saturday. “No candidate has turned us down at any point during the entire process,” he told Kicker.
Rolfes went on to say that Leverkusen are in the ‘final stages’ of deciding on Alonso’s successor. “I believe we’ll wrap this up in May,” he added. “We’re in the final stages now, and it will definitely happen this month.”
Who would you appoint – Cesc Fabregas or Erik ten Hag? Have your say in the comments section.
Last week, Fabregas revealed that he has spoken to other clubs but is happy to continue at Como, the club he part-owns, so long as everyone is ‘aligned with his ideas.’ “I talked to the club, we made progress, I am happy here,” the 38-year-old said.
“I want to understand if everyone wants to continue like this and they are all aligned with my ideas. I also spoke to other clubs, I am respectful and speak to everyone. There is to be an official announcement. I am happy, we all need to be on the same page to continue together.”
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