Erik Ten Hag Returns to FC Twente as Technical Director

Erik Ten Hag has been appointed to rejoin FC Twente, effective February 1, 2026, where he will serve as the technical director starting in the 2026-27 season. This announcement comes after his recent departure from Bayer Leverkusen, where he was dismissed just three matches into the 2025-26 season.

Following his exit from Leverkusen, Ten Hag was linked with several managerial opportunities, including a potential role at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and a return to Ajax, both of which he ultimately declined.

In an official statement, FC Twente confirmed Ten Hag’s contract extends until mid-2028, marking his return to a club where he began his professional career and achieved considerable success as both a player and a coach.

Ten Hag remarked, “I think it’s wonderful and special to return to FC Twente, where I have been a supporter since childhood. My football and coaching careers began here. With my experience in youth development, team building, and elite sports culture, I aim to enhance FC Twente’s technical foundation alongside the Supervisory Board, management, and staff, ensuring that the club can sustainably realize its potential as a regional flagship.”

Dominique Scholten, Twente’s general manager, shared his enthusiasm for Ten Hag’s return, highlighting the significant contributions of the outgoing technical director, Jan Streuer, over the past five and a half years. Scholten emphasized Ten Hag’s impressive track record and his enduring connection with FC Twente.

Ten Hag previously faced Twente while managing Manchester United in a Europa League match during the 2024-25 season, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Reflecting on that encounter, he expressed his reluctance to compete against a club he holds dear, stating, “It’s not nice to have to hurt something you love.”

In September, reports indicated that FC Twente had considered rehiring Ten Hag as their manager, but he has instead opted for a different role within the club. Following Ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United in November 2024, he was succeeded by Ruben Amorim, while former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now being considered for an interim position.