Erik ten Hag, tipped to take over as Borussia Dortmund manager, will not replace Nuri Sahin following his sacking on Wednesday, according to reports in Germany.
Sahin, who only managed Dortmund in the summer, was sacked after a 2-1 defeat by Bologna in Champions League, although the club’s poor performance in the Bundesliga is largely responsible for his dismissal.
Dortmund sit a dismal 10th in the Bundesliga table after winning just seven of their 18 matches and losing their last three in a row – defeat to Bologna only adding to the former Turkish midfielder’s woes.
There has been increasing speculation about Sahin’s future in recent weeks, amid repeated claims that Ten Hag was a serious candidate take the reins.
Ten Hag is a regular guest at matches in Dortmund since his departure from United in October, thanks to his close relationship with club advisor Matthias Sammer.
Despite his frequent presence in the stands, Ten Hag, who was at the game in Bologna, is not expected to be in the running for Dortmund’s vacancy. Reporter Sky Germany Florian Plettenberg states that the contract price for the Dutchman, who remains on United’s payroll after being sacked in October, is simply too high.
Ten Hag signed a new contract with United in July, just three months before his departure, which ties him to the Red Devils until 2026.
Instead, Dortmund are believed to be working on a deal to sign Nike Kovac. Former Bayern Munich boss, Kovac is available immediately after leaving Wolfsburg in March 2024.
As for Ten Haag, The Athletic states that he does not plan to return to work immediately and instead wants to analyze the options available to him over the summer.
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