Erik ten Hag has embarked on a fresh journey in his managerial career, stepping into the role of head coach at Bayer Leverkusen, as confirmed by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

This move comes after Ten Hag's departure from Manchester United in October 2024, marking a significant transition for the Dutch tactician as he aims to replicate his past successes in the Bundesliga.

His appointment follows the exit of Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double in the 2023-24 season, securing the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal.

With a two-year contract set to be finalized on Monday, running until June 2027, Ten Hag’s arrival at Leverkusen has ignited a mix of excitement, curiosity, and skepticism among football fans worldwide.

Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

He managed to end the club’s six-year trophy drought by clinching the EFL Cup in 2023, followed by the FA Cup in 2024, achievements that placed him among an elite group of United managers to win trophies in consecutive seasons.

However, his tenure was marred by inconsistent Premier League performances, with the team languishing in 14th place after nine matches in the 2024-25 season, alongside a lackluster Europa League campaign.

These struggles led to his dismissal, with Ruben Amorim stepping in as his permanent replacement at Old Trafford.

Despite the challenges, Ten Hag’s track record of winning domestic silverware and his experience in European competitions with Ajax—where he secured three Eredivisie titles and reached the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals—made him an appealing choice for Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, had transformed into a powerhouse, culminating in their historic 2023-24 season. Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, where he was identified as the top choice to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, left big shoes to fill at the BayArena.

However, the 2024-25 season saw Leverkusen struggle to maintain their previous dominance, finishing second in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind Bayern Munich, and failing to secure a major trophy.

Ten Hag’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize and rebuild the squad, with potential reunions on the horizon, such as with goalkeeper Matej Kovar, whom Ten Hag sold during his United stint but could now bring back into the fold.

The decision to join Leverkusen was not without competition.

Ten Hag had been linked with a return to Ajax, where he enjoyed immense success, but he opted for the German challenge instead, prioritizing the opportunity to manage a club with recent European pedigree and a strong foundation.

Fans have expressed a range of reactions to this news, with some optimistic about his ability to adapt his tactical philosophy to the Bundesliga, while others remain wary, citing his struggles at United as a potential red flag.

Social media reactions to Romano’s post reflect this divide, with comments ranging from hope that Ten Hag will “cook” at Leverkusen to concerns about a potential “downfall” for the club following Alonso’s exit.

As Ten Hag prepares to take the reins, the football world will be watching closely to see if he can bring his structured, possession-based approach to Leverkusen and restore their competitive edge.

With a talented squad at his disposal and the chance to make his mark in a new league, this chapter could redefine Ten Hag’s legacy as a manager.

Whether he can live up to the high expectations set by Alonso’s tenure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bayer Leverkusen is entering a new era under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.