New Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag has left star midfielder Granit Xhaka less than impressed, with the Switzerland international now set for a move to AC Milan.
The former Man Utd boss was unveiled as Leverkusen’s successor to Xabi Alonso earlier this summer, after their top target, Como tactician Cesc Fabregas, was forced to stay in Italy.
Ten Hag has an awful lot to prove in Germany after his opinion-dividing stint at Old Trafford. Despite being the most successful post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager, the 55-year-old was not a hugely popular figure and came in for plenty of criticism for his actions, playing style and transfers.
His no-nonsense approach to coaching saw him clash with several high-profile players at Man Utd, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
Now, reports are already emerging that Ten Hag has fallen out with the first player at Leverkusen despite the fact that they haven’t even started their pre-season yet.
Xhaka unimpressed by Ten Hag
According to BILD, Ten Hag has left star midfielder Granit Xhaka irritated by only recently speaking to him for the first time, despite being appointed three weeks ago.
It is claimed that Ten Hag didn’t want to disturb his new players on their holiday, but Xhaka is said to have been left unimpressed by the Dutchman’s decision to take his time as he wants clarity on his future.
Xhaka is in talks with Serie A giants AC Milan and is open to the move. He previously hinted at an exit by stating that he is ‘too old to go through another major rebuild’, akin to what he experienced at Arsenal when Arsene Wenger left.
Some claim that Xhaka’s dialogue with Ten Hag has done little to convince him to stay, and Leverkusen are willing to let him go. It was previously reported that they value the 32-year-old at €15 million, but there is now talk of an asking price of €8m-€10m.
Meanwhile, Xhaka’s father Ragip has added more fuel to the fire by confirming that there are talks with the Rossoneri. “Milan want Xhaka,” he told Teve1. “I won’t talk about the terms of the deal, the clubs have to find an agreement among themselves.”
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