Bayer Leverkusen’s call to sack Erik ten Hag has triggered a hunt for a new boss at the BayArena for the 2025/26 season.

Ten Hag’s dismissal came after just two Bundesliga games into the new campaign for Leverkusen as the club look for a better fit to replace Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid in June.

The German giants will utilise the ongoing international break to assess their options with La Liga a potential target for a new leader.

According to ESPN [via Diario AS], the latest update claims Leverkusen have added Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giraldez to their managerial shortlist, having appreciated the work the 37-year-old has done at the Estadio Balaidos since taking over from Rafael Benitez in March 2024.

A move for the Celta could come at an ideal time for Leverkusen amid rumoured tensions between manager and club officials.

Giraldez has publicly expressed his unhappiness at not being given enough resources to bolster his squad, and this could lead to him considering his future, if the Bundesliga side come in with an offer, and Celta are put under pressure.

Raul targeted by Bayer Leverkusen to replace Ten Hag

Giraldez is under contract at Celta until the end of the 2026-27 season, but he is not the only name being considered.

As per Marca, a three-man shortlist has been drawn up, with former Real Madrid Castilla head coach Raul Gonzalez also under consideration alongside Edin Terzic.

Raul has been looking for a new challenge following his decision to leave Los Blancos in May – as he wants to move into a first team role – after multiple youth jobs in his time at Real Madrid from 2019 to 2025.

The former striker is open to a new challenge Germany, after ending his European playing career in the country, after a spell at Schalke 04.