Key Takeaways:
- Bayer Leverkusen are reported to be eyeing Oliver Glasner, who will depart Crystal Palace in the summer, as a potential replacement for Kasper Hjulmand
- The German side had previously considered Glasner five years ago, before appointing Gerardo Seoane as head coach
- Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler, who holds a €15m release clause, is regarded as an alternative if Glasner is not secured
Leverkusen’s Coaching Search Intensifies
According to Sport Bild, Bayer Leverkusen are evaluating Oliver Glasner, the soon-to-be-outgoing manager at Crystal Palace, for the head coach position left vacant by Kasper Hjulmand’s departure. Glasner, an Austrian national, will become available on a free transfer following his summer exit from the South London club.
Leverkusen previously shortlisted Glasner five years ago during an earlier managerial search, but on that occasion, the club opted to appoint Gerardo Seoane instead.
Falls in naher Zukunft gemeinsam mit Kasper Hjulmand die Entscheidung getroffen wird, sich nach der Saison zu trennen, hat Bayer zwei bevorzugte Optionen im Blick.
Laut Informationen von SPORT BILD handelt es sich dabei um Fabian Hürzeler und Oliver Glasner.
[ @AxelHesse1 /… pic.twitter.com/YjgNkp4Ugt
— UBK (@UBK__official) April 1, 2026
Glasner’s Existing Preferences and Market Dynamics
Despite the German club’s renewed interest, Glasner reportedly favours remaining in the Premier League rather than making a return to Bundesliga management. However, his preferred options may be narrowing, as top clubs considered a step up from Crystal Palace are quickly filling their vacancies.
Tottenham Hotspur have already confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. At Manchester United, uncertainty remains regarding the future of interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Alternative Candidate: Hürzeler Emerges as Option
Should negotiations with Glasner collapse, Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be monitoring Fabian Hürzeler, the current Brighton manager. Hürzeler, previously head coach at St. Pauli, is understood to be seeking a club that can offer European football next season – an ambition that Leverkusen cannot guarantee at the present time.
Furthermore, Hürzeler’s Brighton contract reportedly includes a release clause valued at €15,000,000.
| Manager | Current/Last Club | Situation | Release Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Glasner | Crystal Palace | Leaving in summer, available on free transfer | None |
| Fabian Hürzeler | Brighton | Possible candidate if Glasner not available | €15,000,000 |
