Bayer Leverkusen are parting ways with coach Kasper Hjulmand and signing Carles Martínez Novell to take his place.
The Bundesliga club said that Martínez will receive a two-year contract until 2028. The 42-year-old arrives from French League 1 side Toulouse where he didn’t renew his contract after three years.
Leverkusen said the formal presentation will take place on Friday.
Hjulmand’s exit has been expected for weeks. The Dane took over from Erik ten Hag early in the past season but the team finished only sixth and missed a place in the Champions league.
Martínez would be the next Spanish coach at the club. Xabi Alonso was in charge 2022-2025, leading Leverkusen to the 2024 German league and Cup double with a first unbeaten Bundesliga season in league history.
Andoni Iraola was reportedly also a Leverkusen candidate after his Bournemouth exit but he is now the frontrunner for the Liverpool job in succession of Arne Slot.
Other names mentioned included outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner but Leverkusen club chose little known Martínez instead.
Martínez was born in Barcelona and coached at the academies of local clubs Barcelona and Espanyol. He also coached youth teams in Kuwait and Qatar before arring in Toulouse in 2022, first as an assistant coach and then as head coach from 2023.
“Carles Martínez has successfully developed numerous young players at Toulouse and moulded an international squad into a strong unit,” Leverkusen managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, said.
“Carles is a coach with clear principles and a modern approach to the game. We are convinced that he can provide the right impetus for our sporting future.”
