Bayer Leverkusen’s hunt for a successor to the recently dismissed Erik ten Hag appears to be over, with reports suggesting the club has reached an agreement for Kasper Hjulmand to take charge as head coach.
Softfootball understands that a deal between Leverkusen and former Denmark coach looks close to completion, while Florian Plettenberg states that talks are at an advanced stage, and the new coach is expected to be presented next week.
Hjulmand has coached in Germany before, having been appointed Mainz 05 coach ahead of the 2014/15 season. However, he was eventually sacked in February after a disappointing spell.
He has also coached Danish side FC Nordsjælland, but is best known for his four-year spell as Denmark’s national team coach, during which he led the country to the semi-finals of Euro 2021.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, Kasper Hjulmand has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach. Talks are already at an advanced stage, with the Danish tactician currently leading the race for the hot seat.
Hjulmand is regarded as the preferred option ahead of Ange Postecoglou and other shortlisted candidates, with Bayer determined to secure the right profile to continue their project. The post reads:
Bayer Leverkusen had positive meeting with Kasper Hjulmand as favorite to become new head coach.
More talks this week but Hjulmand ahead of Ange Postecoglou and more candidates at this stage.
The 53-year-old has already gained coaching experience in the Bundesliga, when he took over Mainz 05 in the 2014/15 season; back then he managed Mainz for 24 games with a points-per-game average of 1.04, until he was dismissed.
His time as a national team coach for Denmark (2020-2024) went far better, in 54 games, Hjulmand averaged 1.93 points per game.
Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in former Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou and former Juventus coach Thiago Motta, but both are no longer in the plans of the Werkself.
