Erik ten Hag moves to sign four Man United players for Bayer Leverkusen

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Erik ten Hag has returned to management after being officially named as the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, succeeding Xabi Alonso following his move to Real Madrid.

Ten Hag had been out of work since his dismissal by Manchester United, where he was replaced by Ruben Amorim, agency reports.

Despite a mixed spell at Old Trafford, which included a League Cup and FA Cup, ten Hag ultimately fell short of expectations during his final season.

Now, he takes over a Leverkusen side brimming with potential – but also at a crossroads.

Reports suggest that Leverkusen are on the verge of selling star man Florian Wirtz to Liverpool for over £100 million, giving ten Hag both funds and pressure to rebuild the squad effectively.

Something he failed to do at Manchester United.

If history is anything to go by, United fans may want to pay close attention. At Old Trafford, ten Hag showed a clear tendency to trust familiar faces, bringing in former Ajax players like Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.

With Manchester United looking to raise funds for a summer overhaul under Amorim, there’s hope that pattern continues and ten Hag comes calling at United’s door.

Here are four Manchester United players Erik ten Hag could target to kickstart his Leverkusen rebuild.

1. Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho rose to fame under Erik ten Hag, enjoying a breakout campaign two seasons ago that saw him become a regular fixture in the Manchester United squad.

His fearless dribbling, eye for goal, and game-changing impact off the bench made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

But things have since started to unravel.

Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Garnacho’s attitude has consistently come under scrutiny.

Amorim, tasked with both a cultural and tactical reset at United, has demanded total discipline and buy-in from his players – something Garnacho has reportedly struggled with.

Tensions came to a head at the Europa League final, when Garnacho was dropped from the starting XI.

After the match, he gave an outburst to Argentinian media expressing frustration with the decision – a move that drew strong backlash.

In response, Amorim is believed to have addressed the entire squad, declaring that Garnacho should “pray that you can find a club to sign you.”

It was a brutal but clear message – the end of Garnacho’s Manchester United career.

Homegrown, marketable, and still just 20 years old, Garnacho will command a significant fee.

United, wanting to free up funds and “PSR room”, will be eager to cash in.

For Erik ten Hag and Bayer Leverkusen, the timing couldn’t be better.

With Florian Wirtz on his way to Liverpool and ten Hag expected to revert to a system built around traditional wingers, Garnacho could be the ideal replacement.

His ability to beat defenders, play high and wide, and inject pace into attacks would fit perfectly.

For Leverkusen, United, and Garnacho himself, this could be the ideal move – one that reignites a stalled career and brings in much-needed funds for a new era at Old Trafford.

2. Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho has returned to Manchester United following a loan spell at Chelsea.

While the initial deal included a £25 million obligation to buy, Chelsea activated a clause allowing them to return Sancho to United for just £5 million.

A blow to United’s hopes of offloading him permanently.

With Ruben Amorim making it clear Sancho has no future at the club, United are keen to move him on.

However, his high wages make a sale complicated.

Saudi Pro League sides have shown interest, and financially, they may be the most viable option. Still, United and INEOS will be hoping Erik ten Hag steps in.

Ten Hag could offer him a lifeline at Leverkusen.

Having already thrived in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Sancho’s struggles in England are unlikely to put Bundesliga clubs off – especially at a cut-price fee.l

3. Antony

A productive loan spell at Real Betis has put Antony back in the shop window.

But with the Spanish side unable to finance a permanent move, Manchester United are assessing alternative exit routes.

Erik ten Hag, the man who pushed for Antony’s €100 million arrival at Old Trafford, knows the winger’s strengths better than anyone.

While he ultimately failed to justify the fee in England, Antony remains a talented player – one who thrives under ten Hag’s structure and tempo.

With the Bundesliga’s open style likely to complement his game far more than the Premier League ever did, United will quietly hope that ten Hag’s new project at Leverkusen includes another bet on his former favourite.

4. Tyrell Malacia

Tyrell Malacia spent the season on loan at PSV, but the Dutch champions saw little reason to make the move permanent.

Persistent injuries have stalled his career and with Manchester United looking to streamline their squad, he’s firmly on the list of players available at a cut price.

Malacia, initially signed by Erik ten Hag, no longer fits into United’s long-term plans.

A fresh start could be exactly what he needs.

With Leverkusen’s left wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo attracting interest from clubs, a vacancy may soon emerge.

For ten Hag, Malacia could represent a low-risk, low-cost option he knows well.

For the player, it’s a chance to reset his career in a less physically demanding league.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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