**Erik ten Hag and the Bayer Leverkusen Rumors: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?**
There’s been growing buzz around a dramatic managerial twist in European football, suggesting that Erik ten Hag has taken charge at Bayer Leverkusen and is plotting a reunion with three of his trusted former players: André Onana, Antony, and Lisandro Martínez. According to this narrative, Ten Hag, reflecting on his time at Manchester United, is determined to bring back “his boys” to help build a new legacy in Germany. But while this makes for an intriguing story, the actual situation is far from confirmed—and largely inaccurate based on the latest verified reports.
To start with the facts, **Erik ten Hag is still the manager of Manchester United** as of July 2024. Despite a turbulent season and heavy scrutiny over his performance, Manchester United’s hierarchy—now operating under the influence of INEOS—has decided to retain him. There is **no official news** indicating his departure from the Premier League club or a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Similarly, **Xabi Alonso remains at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen** and has not taken over at Liverpool or any other club. Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen recently secured their first-ever Bundesliga title, marking a historic moment for the team. As of now, there is no substantial evidence to suggest he is stepping down or that Ten Hag is poised to replace him.
The story also centers on Ten Hag’s supposed desire to reunite with three players he has worked closely with at both Ajax and Manchester United: **Antony**, **Lisandro Martínez**, and **André Onana**. It’s true that Ten Hag has shown strong loyalty to these players, defending them publicly and playing key roles in bringing them to United. However, **there is no verified indication** that he is actively trying to sign them for another club.
What adds some credibility to the speculation is Ten Hag’s history of building his squads around familiar faces. At Ajax, and later at United, he demonstrated a clear preference for players who understand his tactical vision and trust his system. This includes a possession-based game, high pressing, and technical proficiency—qualities he believes Antony, Martínez, and Onana all bring to the table.
Nonetheless, while the idea of Ten Hag orchestrating a move to Leverkusen and bringing these players along is imaginative and rooted in some truths about his coaching style, **it remains fiction for now**. Transfer windows are unpredictable, and should any major managerial changes occur, such rumors could gain traction—but at present, they’re not grounded in reality.
