Erik ten Hag has officially embarked on his new journey as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen for the 2025/2026 season, stepping into one of the most challenging roles in European football today. The Dutch tactician takes over from Xabi Alonso, a manager who etched his name in the club’s history by delivering an extraordinary double last season—clinching both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal.
Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen transformed into a dominant force in German football. For the first time in their history, the club lifted the domestic double, setting a high bar for Ten Hag as he begins his tenure. With such a remarkable season behind them, expectations at the BayArena are soaring. The supporters demand continuity, and the club hierarchy is hungry for sustained success.
However, Ten Hag’s arrival coincides with a turbulent summer transfer window that has already seen a mass exodus of key players. It’s now up to the former Manchester United boss to stabilize the squad, inject fresh energy, and build a team capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts.
Ten Hag’s Tough Inheritance: Star Departures Leave Gaps to Fill
As Erik ten Hag steps into Alonso’s shoes, he’s immediately confronted by the departure of some of Leverkusen’s most influential figures. Creative lynchpin Florian Wirtz and pacey wing-back Jeremie Frimpong have both been snapped up by Premier League giants Liverpool. Meanwhile, defensive stalwart Jonathan Tah has joined Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.
These exits have undeniably weakened the team’s spine, but Ten Hag has remained composed. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, he has taken a proactive approach by targeting smart, strategic signings to replace the outgoing stars.
So far, Leverkusen has brought in four new players:
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Ibrahim Maza (Hertha Berlin) – A promising young playmaker
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Mark Flekken (Brentford) – A solid, experienced goalkeeper
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Tim Oermann (Bochum) – A rising central defensive talent
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Axel Tappe (PSG) – A versatile young defender with European pedigree
Ten Hag’s recruitment strategy reflects a blend of youth potential and tactical flexibility—core principles he has long championed.
Eyes on the Future: Leverkusen Target Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah
While the rebuild is well underway, Ten Hag’s marquee target is yet to arrive. Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Jarell Quansah, Liverpool’s highly-rated young center-back.
Quansah has drawn attention with his mature performances and is even in contention for a senior England call-up. Despite recently signing a new five-year deal with Liverpool, the 21-year-old is seen as a long-term investment for Leverkusen, and the club is willing to spend around £40 million to secure his services.
Importantly, sources close to the deal emphasize that Quansah’s potential move is not part of the negotiations involving Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool—both are separate deals.
Should the move materialize, Quansah would be a cornerstone in Ten Hag’s defensive setup, as the coach looks to instill a new tactical identity while maintaining the competitive edge Leverkusen built under Alonso.
Bayer Leverkusen Transfer Recap: Summer 2025/26
Players In:
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Ibrahim Maza (from Hertha Berlin)
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Mark Flekken (from Brentford)
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Tim Oermann (from Bochum)
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Axel Tappe (from Paris Saint-Germain)
Players Out:
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Florian Wirtz (to Liverpool)
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Jeremie Frimpong (to Liverpool)
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Jonathan Tah (to Bayern Munich)
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Odilon Kossounou (to Atalanta)
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Gustavo Puerta (to Hull City)
A New Identity for Leverkusen Under Ten Hag
With the squad undergoing significant transformation, Erik ten Hag is expected to bring a fresh tactical philosophy to Leverkusen. Known for his emphasis on high pressing, ball retention, and dynamic attacking patterns, Ten Hag is likely to deviate from Alonso’s balanced approach and implement a more possession-dominant style.
Leverkusen fans can expect exciting changes both in personnel and playing style as the team enters a new chapter. Whether Ten Hag can replicate or surpass Alonso’s success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the revolution at BayArena has begun.
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