Revealed: How ex‑Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has already ‘upset’ Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly already “upset” Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen

There’s always a story bubbling beneath the surface when high‑profile names collide. And this summer’s twist in Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield drama is no exception. Within just a few weeks of Erik ten Hag taking over in Germany, whispers have emerged that he’s managed to “upset” one of his most experienced players—Granit Xhaka. The timing, the tone, and the silence all seem to have struck a nerve with the Swiss international, raising questions about Xhaka’s future at the Bundesliga side.

Leverkusen might be on the brink of reshaping their midfield power balance—but how did such tension creep in so fast after Erik Ten Hag’s arrival? Let’s unpack the drama, the players, and what could be next.

What happened? A cautious coach, an unsettled player

According to Bild, the heart of the issue lies in communication—specifically, the lack of it. Erik Ten Hag, famed for his measured, methodical approach both at Ajax and Manchester United, took nearly three weeks to make contact with Granit Xhaka after officially taking the Leverkusen job. For many, that delay might seem inconsequential. But for Xhaka—an experienced, vocal midfield anchor accustomed to being at the centre of on-field and locker-room life—it was a glaring omission.

By the time the Dutch manager finally picked up the phone, the damage was already done. Xhaka reportedly felt “upset” and “annoyed,” questioning whether he still featured in Erik Ten Hag’s vision. And from a player who prides himself on clarity and connection, that kind of silence can feel loud and lonely.

A bigger picture: silence holds more weight

Erik ten Hag

It’s worth zooming out for a moment to see why this matters. In football, the first touchpoint between a manager and senior players can set the tone for entire seasons. It’s about forming bonds, conveying respect, and establishing expectations. Whether it’s pre-season or mid-session, communication isn’t just nice—it’s crucial.

Ten Hag’s management style—strict, disciplined, meticulous—is part of what earned him success at Ajax. He likes structure, processes, clear roles. And yet, that same strategy can feel cold if not balanced with relational investment—especially in a team centering several evolving dynamics and star personalities.

Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen in 2023 after a long Arsenal spell, embodies leadership. On the pitch he’s assertive; off it, he’s the kind of senior voice others look to. He’s also well aware that key pieces like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have both departed—leaving Leverkusen in flux. Now, facing a new manager and shifting squad, he’s craving clarity.

Did external interest compound the tension? AC Milan’s probe looms

This tension hasn’t gone unnoticed. Images of Milan—the Italian giants—have already circled Xhaka, reportedly seeing an opportunity in Leverkusen’s uncertain midfield structure. Sources suggest the Italians have been surveying the situation closely.

Here’s the kicker: Leverkusen originally pegged Xhaka at a €40 million valuation (around £34M). But with the clock ticking, and perhaps the manager‑player friction at play, that price has plummeted. Now insiders say the Bundesliga side might accept a mere €8–10 million (£6.8 to £8.5M)—nothing more than pocket change in today’s inflated transfer market.

And it’s not just about money; it’s about opportunity. Xhaka, who still yearns to play big games, may well see Milan as a logical next step—particularly if his standing under Erik Ten Hag doesn’t feel solidified. Italian sides tend to appreciate experience, intelligence, and tactical nous—and Xhaka embodies all three.

What Xhaka said: diplomacy with a hint of distance

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern Munchen – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg

The midfielder himself hasn’t ruled anything out. When asked recently about his future at Bayer, he gave a carefully measured response:

“Of course, the players who are leaving or have left are a huge loss… With Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro [sporting directors], we have enough players who can hopefully get the team back… Whether it’s with or without me is another question. But as of today, I’m here. We’re happy, and that’s what matters.”

He added:

“Of course, you think about it…but as I said, my mind is far away. I have my family and my management to take care of such things. When the time comes and you have an offer on the table… I’ll definitely let you know.”

Notice the posture here—present, engaged, but open to movement. That’s stellar PR for keeping doors open.

What next for Xhaka?

So where does that leave Granit Xhaka? If the phone call–drama proves anything, it’s this: Erik Ten Hag needs to act fast. Otherwise, he risks losing a player who is both leadership‑rich and still athletically useful midway through his 30s—right when Leverkusen are preparing to launch a new project.

Meanwhile, AC Milan are known for savvy midfield assembly. With rumors also swirling around an approach for Luka Modrić, it seems the Rossoneri want to blend experience and creativity at the spine of their squad. If both moves happen—Modrić and Xhaka—it would signal a serious midfield recalibration in Serie A.

On the other side, Leverkusen have to decide what they value more: a tidy profit from selling a senior midfielder, or the psychological boost of having a stable veteran presence during a managerial transition. That question may define their transfer strategy.

The manager‑player relationship: what’s at stake

Let’s talk about what’s really at play here—the bedrock of any successful club: trust. When a new manager arrives, fresh philosophy, training regimes, and tactical instructions come crashing in. But the caveat is this: players need to feel like they belong, like they matter. That starts with conversations.

Waiting three weeks to call Granit Xhaka? That silence might send signals of indecision. By contrast, reaching out early—saying, “You are part of my project”—would have been a public gesture of trust and reassurance. Especially for a central figure like Xhaka, it could mean the difference between staying or packing his bags.

A turning point: Erik Ten Hag’s chance to repair

Now,Erik  Ten Hag has a chance to jump in front of the rumour train. A public acknowledgement of Xhaka’s importance—whether through media interviews or pre-season glimpses—could offset whatever damage the radio silence inflicted. Especially given that both parties share the same nationality—they’re from similar cultural backgrounds—Ten Hag could leverage that connection to build trust.

He could also send a signal to the rest of the squad: that senior players will not only be heard but included in his tactical process. For a manager stepping into a new league, that kind of early support can breed confidence across the board.Final whistle: a subplot worth watching

So there it is—Erik ten Hag inadvertently creating a subplot around Granit Xhaka just weeks into his new job at Bayer Leverkusen. Football narratives usually build over time; this one exploded out of the blocks.

The next few weeks will reveal whether that tension is mere media chirp or a genuine re-alignment in Leverkusen’s midfield spine. Will Erik Ten Hag reconnect and solidify his hold? Will Xhaka stay, accepting a new challenge under a respected coach? Or will he opt for a fresh start under A.C. Milan’s marquee rebuild?

One thing is certain: in football, first impressions last. And if Erik Ten Hag wants Leverkusen to rally around him, he’d do well to start dialing—or risk dialing out a key player in the process.