Erik ten Hag has wasted no time setting his vision into motion at Bayer Leverkusen. After stepping into the role vacated by Xabi Alonso, the Dutch coach is reportedly looking back at familiar territory—Manchester United—as he shapes his new project in the Bundesliga. But while Ten Hag may have players in mind, bringing them to Germany might prove trickier than expected.
With his tenure at Manchester United officially in the rear-view mirror, Ten Hag now faces the challenge of building a squad that can compete for silverware in a league long dominated by Bayern Munich. And as he begins to identify targets, his gaze has naturally drifted back to players he knows well from his time in Manchester.
Reports suggest that Leverkusen are actively considering moves for Antony and Alejandro Garnacho—two players whose futures at United have become increasingly uncertain. Antony, once a marquee signing under Ten Hag, struggled to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford but has shown flashes of revival while on loan at Real Betis. That form has caught Leverkusen’s attention, and with United open to selling, a reunion between coach and winger feels plausible.
Garnacho’s situation is slightly more complicated. Despite his evident talent and occasional brilliance on the wing, his relationship with United’s current setup appears strained. A visible outburst after being benched for a crucial European final didn’t help his standing, and Amorim, now in charge of United, hasn’t been shy about exploring other options. Still, with Napoli also in the picture and the player involved in United’s off-season tour, a transfer is far from guaranteed.
Ten Hag’s approach is not just about sentiment. He knows these players. He understands their strengths and weaknesses. And in a new environment—one he can mold from scratch—he likely believes they can thrive in ways they didn’t at Old Trafford. That said, even familiar faces come with baggage. Whether Leverkusen is willing to take that gamble will depend on more than just Ten Hag’s recommendations.
After Alonso’s impressive run, which saw Leverkusen finally break through and lift the Bundesliga title, the expectations are now sky-high. Replicating that success—or even getting close—won’t come easy.
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