Overview

• Erik ten Hag has been officially appointed as Bayer Leverkusen's new manager, replacing Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid.
• Ten Hag signed a contract until 2027 and aims to build an ambitious team during a period of transition for the club.
• Key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are reportedly close to leaving, with Liverpool showing strong interest, while Jonathan Tah is set to join FC Bayern.
• Sporting director Simon Rolfes highlighted Ten Hag's alignment with Bayer's philosophy of dominant and attractive football as crucial to maintaining the club's competitive edge.
• Ten Hag acknowledges the challenge of managing a squad overhaul but views it as an opportunity to develop a new, ambitious team.