Bayer Leverkusen is stepping up its search for a potential successor to head coach Kasper Hjulmand, and the shortlist is taking shape with some intriguing names. According to Sky Germany, the club's management has narrowed its focus to two primary candidates, signaling a pivotal moment for the Bundesliga side.
One standout name is Brazilian coach Filipe Luís. The 40-year-old, best known for his stellar playing career at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, has quickly made a name for himself in the dugout. Since taking over at Flamengo, he led the Brazilian giants to a Copa Libertadores triumph in 2025—a remarkable achievement that has caught the eye of Leverkusen's CEO Fernando Carro and sporting director Simon Rolfes. The duo had previously tried to bring Luís to the Rhineland club as a player, and now they see him as a promising coaching prospect.
However, Luís isn't the only option on the table. The club is also closely monitoring Michel, the current head coach of La Liga side Girona. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent have made him a rising star in European coaching circles, and Leverkusen's management is keeping a close watch on his progress.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner remains in the conversation, but a return to the German top flight seems unlikely. Despite no top side having approached him yet, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss appears to be a long shot for the Leverkusen job.
As the search intensifies, reports from Kicker suggest that Saturday's match against Hamburger SV could be Hjulmand's last at the helm. The decision isn't final, but the writing may be on the wall for the Danish coach. Interestingly, his former assistant and long-time technical advisor, Keld Bordinggaard, is expected to stay on. "He will continue to work for us," Rolfes confirmed, dismissing rumors that Bordinggaard had been forced to vacate his office.
There could be further changes behind the scenes, as Rogier Meijer is reportedly being eyed as the future head coach of Sparta Rotterdam. His potential departure would mark another shift in Leverkusen's coaching setup, but for now, all eyes are on who will take the reins next.