Bayer 04 Leverkusen have named Erik ten Hag as their new head coach, with the Dutchman signing a contract until 30 June 2027. The 55-year-old will officially take charge on 1 July ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ten Hag arrives following his spell in the Premier League with Manchester United, where he lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. His appointment marks a significant move for Leverkusen, who are aiming to build on recent domestic and European ambitions.
“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch,” said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. “His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional. With three league titles and two domestic cups, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. Erik also demonstrated his quality at Manchester United under difficult circumstances.”
Rolfes highlighted the shared vision between the club and the coach: “Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”
Ten Hag expressed excitement about the opportunity in the Bundesliga and praised Leverkusen’s structure and ambition. “Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe. The club offers outstanding conditions,” he said. “I’ve been very impressed with the discussions with the management.”
He added: “I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”
Ten Hag’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for Leverkusen, as they look to maintain their upward trajectory both at home and in Europe.
