Next Bayer Leverkusen manager contenders

As Xabi Alonso prepares to leave his role at the end of the season, we take a look at the early contenders to become the next manager of Bayer Leverkusen.

The 43-year-old led Leverkusen to the league and cup double last season but he has announced that he will step down as manager at the end of the season.

The potential move to become Real Madrid manager ahead of the new season is edging nearer and the Bundesliga side are now looking at potential replacements as they look to wrestle the title back from Bayern Munich in 2025/26.

Potential next Bayer Leverkusen managers

Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly someone that Bayer Leverkusen's hierarchy are keeping tabs on in their search for a new manager.

The 55-year-old has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in October 2024.

Ten Hag spent two-and-a-half seasons in Manchester and despite leading the club to FA Cup final success against Manchester City, he struggled to make an impact in the Premier League after overseeing a major spending spree.

The former Ajax boss has previously spent time coaching Bayern Munich's reserve team and would surely jump at the chance to replace Xabi Alonso this summer.

Cesc Fabregas

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder is currently in charge at Serie A outfit Como.

The Spaniard is contracted until the summer of 2028 but he has won admirers throughout Europe following his seamless transition from player to manager.

It is also reported that Fabregas has indicated his desire to leave the club despite giving assurances about his commitment to Como earlier this year.

Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is a popular figure at Selhurst Park and the club could face a battle to keep hold of their manager this summer.

Glasner has long been linked with a move to RB Leipzig at the end of the season but a move is yet to materialise.

The Austrian manager is no stranger to the Bundesliga having managed Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, could Bayer Leverkusen look to hand him a third stint in Germany?

Sebastian Hoeness

Sebastian Hoeness has worked wonders at Stuttgart since taking charge in April 2023.

He initially guided the club to safety despite taking over with the club at the bottom of the table.

In the 2023/24 season, Hoeness guided the club to a second-placed finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Hoeness signed a new deal at Stuttgart in March 2025 but the lure of Leverkusen could tempt Hoeness into moving on.

Xavi

Like Fabregas, Xavi is another of Alonso's former teammates who has been linked with a move to Germany.

Xavi secured the La Liga table during his reign at Barcelona, a club where he also featured over 500 times during a stellar playing career.

The former midfielder has made no secret of his desire to return to management and he has been linked with a number of positions since leaving Barcelona.