ERIK TEN HAG has officially been announced as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who is set to pen a three-year deal with Real Madrid on Monday.
Ten Hag had been out of work since leaving Manchester United in October.
Several clubs – including his beloved Ajax – reportedly approached him during his seven-month hiatus.
But the 55-year-old has now committed to Bayer Leverkusen.
The former United manager last week signed a two-year deal with Bayer, keeping him at the club until June 2027.
Upon his arrival, he said: “Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.
“The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management.
“I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”
Meanwhile, the club’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said: “With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional.
“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
“And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times.
“Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”
Ten Hag was sacked by Man Utd in October following a 30-month spell at Old Trafford.
He left the club with United 14th in the Premier League table.
United ended the season one place below in 15th with 18 points fewer than last term.
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