Carlo Ancelotti calls his replacement at Real Madrid one of the world’s best coaches. Xabi Alonso has left Bayer Leverkusen in very good shape, with last season’s historic Bundesliga title and second place this season. Erik ten Hag has yet to be called one of the world’s best coaches. It started very strongly with Ajax, then came the bang at Manchester United (although the Dutchman himself praises himself for two cup titles). Now Ten Hag is in the running as Alonso’s replacement, every step of the transfer market is being followed with great interest.
Had the Dutchman followed up with sporting results at Manchester United beyond a couple of cup titles, no one would have complained, but when the results did not materialise, Ten Hag’s signing strategy was directly linked to a lack of success. Now Ten Hag is set to lead Bayer Leverkusen’s ship, it will be exciting to see who is brought to the Dutchman’s squad this time. Of course, it starts with a Dutchman.
Now, Ten Hag will not be judged until he has started the season, but at United, there are probably some who shake their heads slightly when they hear the first Ten Hag signing is a Dutch international goalkeeper (8 caps for the Oranje).
In Ten Hag’s defence, Mark Flekken has played his entire career in Germany before his move to the Premier League in 2023. Here, the 31-year-old has been rock solid for Brentford this season in 37 Premier League games, the season that ended with a strong 10th place for the still small club.
According to transfer journalist Romano, Leverkusen and Brentford have agreed on a transfer at Flekken (note double meaning) for 10 million euros. German Sky Sports reports medical tests are pending before signing.
