Bayer Leverkusen has been hunting for a new first-team manager for several weeks. Despite holding a contract until 2027, current boss Kasper Hjulmand (54) will make way after the club missed out on Champions League qualification. The search has hit snags for directors Fernando Caro (61) and Simon Rolfes (44).
Their top target was Andoni Iraola (43), who has just left AFC Bournemouth after three successful seasons. However, Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slot at the weekend suddenly made Iraola the Reds’ preferred candidate. Reports now suggest that an agreement has been reached, with an official announcement expected in the next few days.
That pursuit also saw former Atlético defender Filipe Luis, who had been linked with Leverkusen, choose AS Monaco instead. Monaco’s interest in Luis ultimately stalled because he lacks the UEFA Pro Licence; without a dispensation, the club would face a €25,000 fine per match for him to stand on the touchline.
Oliver Glasner (51, recently departed from Crystal Palace) is said to prefer talks with AC Milan over a Bundesliga return, while former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly offered his services to Leverkusen but did not convince the club’s hierarchy. Michel (50) will instead move from Girona to Ajax Amsterdam.