Ten Hag makes ruthless transfer decision on ex-United star for second time in his career – report

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Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to sanction the exit of former Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar for a second time, as his Bayer Leverkusen exit looms.

Kovar permanently left United in August 2023 to join Leverkusen, during a summer in which Ten Hag brought in Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir as part of his revolution of the goalkeeping department.

United sold Kovar for €9million, with the player putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Bundesliga outfit.

The 6ft 5in shot-stopper turned heads during United’s pre-season tour, thanks largely to his standout ball-playing qualities. But this was still not enough to convince Ten Hag to give him a chance.

Kovar has mainly served as a back-up goalkeeper at Leverkusen, and now it appears his time at the club is coming to an end.

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Czech Republic international is on the brink of leaving BayArena.

Plettenberg wrote on X, “Matej Kovar is close to leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Talks are advanced.”

“The 25-year-old goalkeeper is under contract until 2027.”

🚨⚫️🔴 Matej Kovar is close to leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Talks are advanced.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper is under contract until 2027. @SkySportDE 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/Kx3u7qwHHm

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 1, 2025

It’s somewhat ironic that Kovar’s exit is happening at the same time as Ten Hag’s arrival as manager, marking the second time this has happened in the goalkeeper’s career.

Ten Hag, who was sacked by United in October last year, was of course appointed head coach of Leverkusen in late May.

The former United manager succeeded Xabi Alonso, who parted ways with Leverkusen to take over the reins at Real Madrid after years of being linked to the job.

United included a buy-back clause and a right of first refusal when they sold Kovar to Leverkusen, but there’s been no indication that the Red Devils intend to activate it.

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