Bayer Leverkusen Eyes Ex-Barcelona Boss to Replace Erik ten Hag in Shocking Managerial Shake-Up

Bayer Leverkusen find themselves searching for a new head coach for the second occasion this summer, with reports suggesting they have once more approached former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández.

Erik ten Hag's tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has concluded after merely three official fixtures and under three months in charge. The ex-Manchester United boss failed to convince the Leverkusen hierarchy, who began seeking his successor a week prior.

As reported by MARCA, the Bundesliga club reached out to Xavi to assess his availability for the managerial position. Nevertheless, the former Barcelona coach declined Leverkusen's overture. The report indicates that Xavi believes it's premature for him to make a coaching comeback.

This marks the second occasion Xavi has turned down the chance to manage Leverkusen. The ex-Spain international was reportedly among the primary candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso after his move to Real Madrid, along with Como manager Cesc Fàbregas, but his hesitation to take the role led to Ten Hag's appointment instead.

Leverkusen are presently experiencing a significant overhaul two years following their Bundesliga triumph without suffering a single defeat. During this summer transfer window alone, they've witnessed the departure of key players including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié.

Leverkusen's pursuit of Xavi as a potential manager to guide the team through reconstruction makes perfect sense. When the Barcelona icon returned to helm the Catalan club in 2021, the team was also amid their own rebuilding phase following Lionel Messi's exit.

Xavi successfully integrated players like Gavi and Alejandro Balde into Barcelona's first team while also providing professional debuts to La Masia prospects including Marc Casadó, Fermín López, Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.

However, despite securing La Liga during his inaugural complete campaign with Barcelona in 2022–23, a silverware-free season afterward led to his dismissal. It's evident he feels no urgency to return to management at this moment.

Leverkusen must act swiftly to identify a new manager during the international window, with their Champions League journey commencing in under three weeks.