Bayer 04 have appointed Erik ten Hag as the new head coach.

The 55-year-old Dutch coach has signed a contract until 30 June 2027. Ten Hag, who previously served as head coach at Manchester United in the Premier League, where he won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, will begin his role at Bayer 04 on 1 July in preparation for the 2025/26 season.

"With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive successes on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional," said Bayer 04's sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. He also demonstrated his quality as a coach with the successes at Manchester United under challenging circumstances at times," added Rolfes. "Our football philosophies align. Through technically demanding and dominant play, we aim to continue in the Werkself style and pursue the highest goals in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and Champions League."

Ten Hag is enthusiastic about his new role at Leverkusen and the Bundesliga. "Bayer 04 is one of the top clubs in Germany and among Europe's elite. The club provides outstanding conditions, and I've been impressed by the discussions with the management," said the Dutchman. "I've joined Leverkusen to build on the ambition shown in recent years. It's an exciting challenge to develop an ambitious team during this period of change."