Cesc Fabregas and Erik ten Hag lead the way in Bayer Leverkusen search for Xabi Alonso’s successor | OneFootball

kicker reports that Cesc Fabregas and Erik ten Hag are the two names leading the way in Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit of a new head coach.

The future of current head coach Xabi Alonso is heavily in doubt, with Real Madrid circling like a vulture. Leverkusen have had to prepare for his potential departure and look at replacements.

The three names that are mainly in focus are Xavi, Erik ten Hag and Cesc Fabregas, with the latter two leading the way.

For the Dutchman, he carries a lot more experience compared to Fabregas and knows how to develop players from his time at Ajax. On top of this, the environment at Leverkusen will be significantly different to that of his previous club, Manchester United, which will be better to work in. The only doubt is the financial aspect of a potential deal.

Fabregas on the other hand, has heavily impressed die Werkself. Despite lacking the experience compared to ten Hag, the former midfielder has shown that he can lead a team that is similar in youth to Leverkusen. While a move to Germany would offer a step up from the current club, Como.

The Spaniard would also offer similar characteristics to Alonso when he first arrived. Fabregas would be a previously global name as a player who is a young coach and can use the environment at the BayArena the take the next step in their career. As head coach, Fabregas can act as a ‘big brother’ whilst also speaking several different languages. The only difference from his former international teammate is that Fabregas will have more experience as a senior head coach.

The only concerning financial aspect will be the buying out of Fabregas’s contract at Como. The team that resides on the bank of the Lake that shares the same name are the richest team in Serie A. However, if Leverkusen get a fee for Alonso, this may not be a problem.

Despite names such as Alvaro Arbeloa being mentioned in recent weeks, Fabregas, ten Hag and Xavi are the final three in Leverkusen’s pursuit.

GGFN | Jack Meenan