Bayer Leverkusen sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this week after only three matches in charge, meaning that they are now seeking a replacement. And one of the candidates being considered is in La Liga.

Ten Hag’s dismissal came as a shock to many, but for Leverkusen, it is an opportunity to get another candidate in that they believe is better suited to replacing Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid in June. And it could be that a Spaniard is who they go for.

According to ESPN (via Diario AS), Leverkusen have added Celta head coach Claudio Giraldez to their managerial shortlist, having appreciated the work that the 37-year-old has done at Balaidos since taking over from Rafa Benitez in March 2024.

Interest comes amid strained Giraldez-Celta relations

Leverkusen’s interest in Giraldez comes amid tensions between manager and club, as per the report. Giraldez has publicly expressed his unhappiness at not being given enough resources to strengthen his squad, and this could lead to him considering his future if the Bundesliga side come in.

Giraldez’s style of play is similar to those of Alonso and ten Hag, who were bets of Leverkusen sporting director Fernando Carro, meaning that it would be no surprise if an approach was received by Celta.

But despite both of these points, it would be a big surprise to see Giraldez leave Celta now, given that he is about to make his European debut as a manager, with the Galicians kicking off their Europa League schedule later this month.

It remains to be seen whether Giraldez, who is contracted to Celta until the end of the 2026-27 season, does receive an approach from Leverkusen. He would have a decision to make at that point, but for now, the situation does not have any clear movement.