Oliver Glasner has emerged as Bayer Leverkusen's top managerial candidate to replace the under-pressure Kasper Hjulmand, according to reports from Sport Bild. The Austrian tactician, currently managing Crystal Palace in the Premier League, is the preferred choice of sporting directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes as the Bundesliga club seeks fresh leadership after a disappointing campaign.
Leverkusen's interest comes at a pivotal moment for Glasner, who is preparing Crystal Palace for their final league match against Arsenal and an upcoming Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. The 51-year-old publicly announced months ago his intention to depart Selhurst Park at season's end, with his contract in London expiring this summer. While the club has not yet received a formal response to their approach, Glasner's availability timeline aligns perfectly with Leverkusen's need for a new direction.
Experience and Proven Success in German Football
Glasner brings substantial Bundesliga credentials to the table. He managed VfL Wolfsburg from 2019 to 2021 before stepping into a more prominent role at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he delivered silverware by winning the Europa League. This combination of German league experience and European trophy success positions him as a potential solution for a club seeking stability after recent managerial inconsistency.
His record extends beyond the Bundesliga. Since moving to England, Glasner lifted the FA Cup with Crystal Palace and subsequently claimed the English Super Cup—achievements that underscore his ability to win at the highest level. These accolades stand in contrast to Leverkusen's recent trajectory, which saw them fail to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
Hjulmand Under Scrutiny
Hjulmand, contracted until 2027, faces an uncertain future following a season that disappointed expectations. The Danish coach sidestepped questions about his position after Leverkusen's 1-1 draw with Hamburger SV on the final matchday, with sporting director Rolfes offering only vague assurances about the valid contract. However, insiders suggest Hjulmand's departure is likely once a successor is identified, signalling a significant shift at the German club.
Glasner's potential arrival would represent an attempt to inject winning mentality back into the organization. With rival managerial positions at Chelsea and Manchester United now resolved—Xabi Alonso heading to Stamford Bridge and Michael Carrick stabilizing Old Trafford—Leverkusen appears positioned to secure one of Europe's most sought-after available coaches. The coming weeks will determine whether the Austrian accepts the challenge of restoring the club to European prominence.
