Rejected! Bayer Leverkusen turn down offer to hire Alvaro Arbeloa

Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa will continue his hunt for a new club as Bayer Leverkusen rejects the opportunity to appoint him as their new manager.

Bayer Leverkusen are currently on the lookout for a new manager, with current coach Kasper Hjulmand’s contract running until 2027. The Bundesliga side are seeking a manager who can compete with the likes of Bayer Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

However, Arbeloa who recently left Real Madrid following a brief stint in charge of the first team, has been omitted from the list of potential managers set to take the job.

According to reports from German publication Bild, Leverkusen rejected an offer to hire Arbeloa.

Alvaro Arbeloa failed to impress during his short spell at Real Madrid  (Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)

While Arbeloa is keen to test himself abroad, Leverkusen believe he’s not the right man for their vacant job.

Arbeloa’s management team directly approached Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro, hoping to follow the path of former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who famously led the Werkself to a domestic double in 2024. However, the Bundesliga side opted not to pursue the appointment after internal discussions.

Leverkusen were not convinced that Arbeloa was the right fit at this stage of his coaching career.

The feedback from the club’s scouting department suggested that Arbeloa has not yet reached a level of development sufficient to lead Leverkusen back to the top of German football.

While Arbeloa is respected for his playing pedigree and his experience managing superstars like Kylian Mbappe during his temporary tenure in Madrid, the board feels a more experienced hand is required to challenge Bayern Munich next season.

Leverkusen will now continue their hunt having recently suffered a significant blow when former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis reached an agreement to become the new head coach of Monaco.

The Brazilian tactician was favoured to get the role but he has opted for the project at the Stade Louis II.

Leverkusen will hope they find a deserving coach to replace Hjulmand while Arbeloa continue to find a place where he can cement his place as a top class manager.