Erik ten Hag is leading a significant overhaul at Bayer Leverkusen, bringing in 14 new players to challenge for the Bundesliga title. Key players have departed, including Wirtz and Frimpong. The team’s success hinges on integrating new signings like Malik Tillman and fostering team spirit. Their opening match against Hoffenheim will be a test of their progress.
Erik ten Hag has called upon his new-look Bayer Leverkusen squad to usher in a new era of success at the club following a summer of significant player turnover. As Leverkusen prepares to kick off their Bundesliga campaign against Hoffenheim, Ten Hag emphasizes the importance of team spirit and adapting to the club's culture as they aim to dethrone Bayern Munich.
Ten Hag, who succeeded Xabi Alonso, secured a comfortable 4-0 victory against Grossaspach in the DFB Pokal, providing an early glimpse of his tactical approach. However, the Leverkusen squad has undergone considerable changes, with key players departing and a host of new faces arriving.
Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have joined Liverpool, while Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah have moved to Sunderland and Bayern Munich, respectively. These departures have necessitated a significant reshaping of the squad, with Ten Hag welcoming 14 new players to bolster his options.
"We did everything to be optimally prepared," Ten Hag stated during a press conference. "It has a lot to do with the team spirit. In the changing room the players are growing together. A lot of players have stayed and they bring a specific culture. That remains. The new players have understood the club culture. I have had major overhauls in the past. That’s the challenge. It is good because it needed it."
The most notable addition to Leverkusen's ranks is Malik Tillman, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven in a €35m deal, equaling the club's record transfer fee. Tillman's impressive performances for PSV last season, where he scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances, have raised expectations among Leverkusen supporters.
Jarell Quansah, Loic Bade, and Ernest Poku have also joined the club, adding depth and versatility to the squad. Additionally, Leverkusen secured a loan move for Manchester City's promising talent, Claudio Echeverri, further strengthening their options.
Tillman expressed his enthusiasm about joining Leverkusen, stating, "My excitement at the season was massive when I saw and wore the jersey for the first time. I’m looking forward to finally being able to play here at the stadium too. Up to now, I feel very good and happy here in Leverkusen."
Leverkusen faces a challenging task in their Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim. To secure a win, these players should be on top of their game:
Players to Watch
Bayer Leverkusen – Patrick Schick
Patrik Schick's exceptional finishing ability makes him a key player for Leverkusen. Last season, he outperformed his expected goals (xG) by 8.3, scoring 21 goals from an xG of 12.7. Schick also boasts a remarkable minutes-per-goal ratio of 80, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal.
Hoffenheim – Andrej Kramaric
Andrej Kramaric remains Hoffenheim's primary attacking threat. Last season, he contributed 11 goals and nine assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances. Kramaric's recent form, including four goals in two World Cup qualifiers for Croatia, suggests he will pose a significant challenge to Leverkusen's defense.
Match Preview
Leverkusen has a favorable record in their opening Bundesliga matches, winning their first game in each of the last two seasons. A win against Hoffenheim would mark the first time they have achieved this feat in three consecutive seasons since 2013-2015.
Ten Hag's arrival brings a direct attacking approach to Leverkusen, reminiscent of his time at Manchester United. During his tenure with the Red Devils, they led the league in direct attacks and goals scored via this method.
However, Leverkusen's recent form has been inconsistent, with the team winless in their last three Bundesliga matches. Hoffenheim, too, are struggling for form, having failed to win in their previous five league games.
Hoffenheim endured a difficult season in 2024-25, finishing 15th with just 32 points, their second-worst performance in the Bundesliga.
Opta Win Probability
Bayer Leverkusen – 59.9%
Draw – 20.1%
Hoffenheim – 20.0%
Ten Hag faces a rebuilding project at Leverkusen, aiming to create a team capable of challenging Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga. The blend of new signings and established players will be crucial to their success. The game against Hoffenheim will be an early indicator of Leverkusen's progress under their new manager.
MT10 in team training! pic.twitter.com/g5lht1ucOG
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 21, 2025