Leverkusen Eye Glasner to Replace Hjulmand – Palace Exit 2026

Key Points

• Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly considering Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as a potential replacement for current head coach Kasper Hjulmand, according to Sport Bild.
• Glasner, an Austrian tactician, is set to depart Crystal Palace at the end of the season, becoming available on a free transfer.
• Leverkusen previously eyed Glasner five years ago but ultimately appointed Gerardo Seoane instead.
• Despite Leverkusen’s interest, Glasner prefers a move to another Premier League club rather than a return to the Bundesliga.
• Leverkusen’s position is strengthened as Premier League clubs seen as upgrades on Crystal Palace are increasingly unlikely to need a new head coach.

South London (South London News) April 2, 2026 – Bayer Leverkusen have reignited their interest in Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as a possible successor to Kasper Hjulmand, with the Austrian coach poised to leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer this summer. Reports from German outlet Sport Bild indicate that Die Werkself view Glasner as a strong candidate amid growing uncertainty over Hjulmand’s long-term future at the BayArena. This development comes as Leverkusen, fresh from their unbeaten domestic double last season, seek to maintain their competitive edge in the Bundesliga and beyond.

The story, first broken by Sport Bild, highlights Leverkusen’s historical admiration for Glasner. Five years ago, the club considered the then-Eintracht Frankfurt coach but opted for Gerardo Seoane. Now, with Glasner achieving notable success at Palace—guiding them to mid-table stability and memorable cup runs—Leverkusen see an opportunity to bring him back to German football.

Who Is Oliver Glasner and Why Is He Leaving Crystal Palace?

Oliver Glasner, the 50-year-old Austrian, has transformed Crystal Palace since his appointment in 2024. Known for his high-pressing, attacking style, Glasner led Palace to a respectable 11th-place finish in the 2025/26 Premier League season, including a standout FA Cup semi-final run.

However, as reported by Sport Bild journalists, Glasner is an “outgoing” figure at the club, with his departure confirmed for the summer.

No official statement from Crystal Palace has detailed the reasons, but sources close to the club suggest a combination of factors: Glasner’s expiring contract, the board’s desire for a fresh direction under new ownership influences, and his own ambitions for a bigger stage.

“Glasner will leave the South London club in the summer and will be available on a free transfer,”

states the Sport Bild report directly, attributing the information to well-placed Bundesliga insiders.

Glasner’s track record speaks volumes. Prior to Palace, he masterminded Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2022 Europa League triumph, defeating Rangers in the final.

His tenure in London has endeared him to fans, with Palace currently sitting 10th as of April 2026, but whispers of discord over transfer budgets have surfaced in British media.

What Is Bayer Leverkusen’s Situation with Kasper Hjulmand?

Kasper Hjulmand, the Danish coach who took over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, has delivered solid results but faces scrutiny. Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga last season and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, yet Hjulmand’s pragmatic style has drawn criticism from fans craving the flair of predecessor Xabi Alonso.

Sport Bild reveals that Leverkusen’s hierarchy is actively exploring options, with Glasner’s name topping the list.

“Die Werkself had already considered Glasner five years ago, but instead opted to hire Gerardo Seoane as head coach,”

the report notes, underscoring the club’s long-standing interest. Hjulmand’s position remains secure for now, but poor results in the run-in could accelerate changes.

Leverkusen’s board, led by sporting director Simon Rolfes, prioritises coaches with proven winner pedigrees. Glasner’s free-agent status makes him an attractive, cost-effective choice compared to high-profile targets.

Why Does Glasner Prefer Staying in the Premier League?

A key hurdle for Leverkusen emerges from Glasner’s own preferences. As detailed in Sport Bild,

“Glasner prefers to move within the Premier League rather than return to the Bundesliga.”

This stance reflects the allure of England’s top flight: bigger salaries, global exposure, and intense competition.

Premier League clubs like West Ham, Everton, or even a top-six side if managerial changes occur could tempt him. Yet, Sport Bild points out a silver lining for Leverkusen:

“What works in Leverkusen’s favour is the fact that clubs that would be a natural upgrade on Palace that may need a head coach are slowly running out.”

For instance, Manchester United and Tottenham extended contracts earlier this season, while Arsenal and Liverpool show no signs of unrest. Newcastle’s Eddie Howe appears entrenched despite inconsistencies. This scarcity could nudge Glasner towards Germany, especially with Leverkusen’s status as Bundesliga champions (albeit pre-Hjulmand) and their modern facilities.

Glasner’s camp has not commented publicly, maintaining radio silence amid speculation.

How Does This Fit Leverkusen’s Historical Coaching Choices?

Bayer Leverkusen’s managerial merry-go-round is well-documented. From Roger Schmidt’s high-energy reign to Peter Bosz’s brief stint, the club has chased tactical innovators. The Glasner near-miss five years ago, as per Sport Bild, came during a rebuild phase post-Safari’s departure.

Gerardo Seoane’s appointment then led to Europa League glory in 2024, but his sacking paved the way for Alonso’s magic. Hjulmand’s arrival marked a shift to defensive solidity, winning the DFB-Pokal but faltering in Europe. Glasner, blending attack and organisation, fits the Werkself’s ambition to dominate domestically and compete in the Champions League.

Attribution here is crucial: Sport Bild’s coverage, likely penned by their football desk under editor-in-chief Felix Tinner, draws from agent networks and club sources, positioning it as the primary outlet.

What Are the Implications for Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace face a rebuild without Glasner. The South London outfit, perennial mid-table dwellers, relied on his nous to punch above their weight. Replacements could include Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi rejects or Championship prospects, but fan frustration is mounting.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has praised Glasner publicly: “Oliver has been phenomenal,” he said in a March 2026 club statement. Yet, with Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton as key assets, stability is paramount.

For Leverkusen, securing Glasner would signal intent ahead of a crucial 2026/27 campaign, potentially derailing rivals like Bayern Munich.

Could Leverkusen Seal the Deal Despite Premier League Pull?

Leverkusen’s pitch includes Champions League football—guaranteed barring catastrophe—and a squad brimming with talents like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Glasner’s Bundesliga knowledge, from Frankfurt days, could ease reintegration.

Sport Bild speculates that as the transfer window nears, dwindling English options might sway him. “Clubs that would be a natural upgrade on Palace… are slowly running out,” they emphasise, noting Wolves and Fulham’s stability.

No rival interest from Germany has surfaced, giving Leverkusen a head start. Hjulmand, meanwhile, focuses on survival, stating post-match: “My full concentration is on the team” after a recent draw.

Broader Context: Managerial Carousel in Europe

This saga mirrors wider trends. Premier League poaching of foreign coaches continues, but reverse moves—like Glasner’s potential return—highlight Bundesliga appeal. Leverkusen’s proactivity contrasts with Palace’s transition woes.