From Alonso to Ten Hag: Mark Flekken's Unexpected Coaching Switch at Bayer Leverkusen

The Unexpected Coaching Change That Defined a Transfer

When Mark Flekken agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, he thought he would be working under Xabi Alonso, the charismatic Spanish coach who had led the German club to their historic undefeated Bundesliga title in 2023-24. However, football had other plans. By the time Flekken officially signed his three-year contract worth €10 million, Alonso had already departed for Real Madrid, and Erik ten Hag had taken over the reins at BayArena.

This twist of fate wasn't entirely unwelcome for the Dutch goalkeeper. As Flekken revealed to Goal.com, his relationship with ten Hag stretches back over a decade, creating an unexpected full-circle moment in both their careers. "My agent has been in contact with Ten Hag several times over the years. When he was at Utrecht or Ajax, we discussed opportunities for me to join, but it never worked out," Flekken explained. The 31-year-old goalkeeper had been pursuing opportunities to work with ten Hag since 2013, making this transfer a dream finally realized, albeit through unexpected circumstances.

A Goalkeeper's Journey Through German Football

Flekken's path to Leverkusen represents a remarkable journey through German football's various tiers. Starting his professional career at Alemannia Aachen, he progressed through clubs like MSV Duisburg and Greuther Fürth before establishing himself at SC Freiburg. His time at Freiburg from 2018 to 2023 proved pivotal, as he transformed from a backup goalkeeper to a Bundesliga regular and eventually earned his place in the Netherlands national team setup.

The move to Brentford in May 2023 for €13 million marked his first venture into Premier League football. Despite initial struggles adapting to English football's intensity, Flekken eventually became one of the league's most reliable goalkeepers. His statistics speak volumes: 74 Premier League appearances over two seasons, 14 clean sheets, and a save percentage of 73.17% - second only to Chelsea's Robert Sanchez among regular starters. Brentford's director of football, Phil Giles, praised his contribution: "Mark has proven to be a seamless replacement for David Raya, who set an extremely high standard during his years with us."

The Ten Hag Connection: An 11-Year Wait

The relationship between Flekken and ten Hag dates back to their early encounters in German football's lower divisions. "The first time I faced Ten Hag was when he was coaching Bayern Munich II, and I was playing for Greuther Fürth II. We knew each other from a distance and faced each other several times, though we never spoke directly," Flekken recalled. This early connection laid the foundation for what would become a lengthy pursuit.

Ten Hag's interest in Flekken persisted throughout his successful tenure at Ajax, where the Dutch coach revolutionized the club's playing style and achieved remarkable success in both domestic and European competitions. However, timing and circumstances never aligned for a potential transfer. The irony is palpable - after years of missed opportunities, they finally unite at Leverkusen under completely different circumstances than anyone could have predicted. As Flekken noted, "It's funny how football works. After eleven years, we're finally working together, just not in the way either of us expected."

Leverkusen's Strategic Goalkeeping Investment

Bayer Leverkusen's decision to invest €10 million in Flekken represents a strategic long-term investment in their goalkeeping department. With captain Lukas Hradecky approaching 36 and entering the final year of his contract, the club needed a reliable successor who could handle both domestic and European competition pressures. Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes emphasized this reasoning: "Mark exudes impressive physical presence and has certainly been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League over the past two years. He knows the Bundesliga from his successful time in Freiburg."

The timing of the transfer, completed before Alonso's departure was confirmed, demonstrates Leverkusen's proactive approach to squad planning. Despite the managerial change, the club's commitment to Flekken remained unwavering, suggesting they view him as a cornerstone of their future ambitions. His experience in top-level competitions - from the Bundesliga to the Premier League and international football with the Netherlands - makes him an ideal candidate to lead Leverkusen's goalkeeping department through what promises to be a challenging period of transition.

Community and Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions

The German football community's reaction to Flekken's arrival has been notably positive, with many viewing it as a shrewd acquisition. Bundesliga fans who remember his solid performances at Freiburg welcomed his return, particularly given his proven ability to adapt to the league's tactical demands. Social media discussions have highlighted his consistency and leadership qualities, with many pointing to his successful Premier League stint as evidence of his continued development.

However, some fans expressed concern about the timing of the transfer coinciding with Alonso's departure. The Spanish coach's exit created uncertainty about the club's immediate future, leading to questions about whether key players would follow suit. Fortunately for Leverkusen supporters, Flekken's commitment to the project remained steadfast despite the managerial upheaval. His professional attitude and clear communication about his motivations have helped ease fan concerns about potential disruption to the team's stability.

Looking Forward: Ten Hag's Leverkusen Revolution

Under ten Hag's guidance, Leverkusen enters a new era with Flekken as a key component of their restructuring plans. The Dutch coach's reputation for developing young talent and implementing innovative tactical systems aligns perfectly with Flekken's own professional ambitions. "I followed Ten Hag's success at Ajax closely. The way his teams played, his emphasis on structure, discipline, and technical quality really stood out to me," Flekken shared.

The reunion also represents ten Hag's first major signing since taking over at Leverkusen, sending a clear message about his priorities and tactical philosophy. Having worked with world-class goalkeepers throughout his career, his faith in Flekken suggests the Dutchman will play a crucial role in the team's playing style. With Champions League football awaiting and domestic competition intensifying, Flekken's experience and ten Hag's tactical acumen could prove to be the perfect combination for Leverkusen's next chapter. As Flekken concluded, "This presents an exciting opportunity to build something together during this transformative period and cultivate an ambitious team."