Bayer Leverkusen’s Ten Hag project off to a rocky start

26/08/2025

By RSR Málaga — 26 August 2025

Bayer Leverkusen’s bold decision to appoint Erik ten Hag and reshape the project after abandoning their previous model has gotten off to anything but a dream start.

The team was humiliated in preseason with a 5-1 defeat against Flamengo’s U-20 side in Texas, and things did not improve in their Bundesliga debut: a home loss to Hoffenheim after taking the early lead.

Leverkusen have invested heavily, spending €140 million on new signings, including Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Vade (Sevilla), Pillman (PSV), Claudio Echeverri (loan from Manchester City) and the latest arrival, Lucas Vázquez. Expectations are high, with Champions League spots as the minimum objective.

For Ten Hag, life hasn’t been calm since leaving Ajax. After turbulence at Manchester United, the Dutch manager is already under pressure in Germany.

Will he find the formula to turn Leverkusen into a contender?