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Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach on a two-year deal, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Monday, September 8, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
Hjulmand, 53, guided Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, where they lost to England in extra time. He stepped down after Euro 2024, following a 2-0 defeat to Germany in the round of 16, ending a four-year spell in charge of the national team. He previously coached Mainz 05 during the 2014-15 Bundesliga season and now returns to German football to lead last season’s Bundesliga runners-up.
“I have always regarded Bayer Leverkusen as a very well-run, structured and ambitious club. It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said, adding that he is eager to shape the club’s future with both established and emerging players.
Ten Hag was dismissed after just two Bundesliga games in charge. The Dutchman had replaced Xabi Alonso in May, following Alonso’s move to Real Madrid after leading Leverkusen to a historic domestic double in 2023-24, including their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Hjulmand now faces the task of rebuilding the squad after the departures of several key players, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka. Leverkusen have reinvested heavily, spending around €170 million ($199.8m) on new signings such as Ibrahim Maza, Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé and goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
“A newly assembled and developing squad like ours needs clear direction and will benefit from Kasper’s transparent, communicative and empathetic style,” said Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro.
Leverkusen resume their Bundesliga campaign on Friday, September 12, against Eintracht Frankfurt, before travelling to Copenhagen on September 18 for their Champions League opener.
