Following the abrupt dismissal of Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches in charge, Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly eyeing former Real Madrid legend Raúl as a potential replacement. Ten Hag's tenure ended prematurely after a series of disappointing performances, leading the club to seek a new direction shortly after he signed a two-year contract for the 2025-26 season.

Raúl, who previously managed Real Madrid's Castilla team, is among the frontrunners for the managerial role at Leverkusen. His successful six-year stint at Castilla saw him nurture young talent, including standout players like Gonzalo García, showcasing his ability to develop future stars. However, Raúl's aspirations to manage Real Madrid's first team were quashed when Xabi Alonso took over, leaving him without a position since stepping down.

In addition to Raúl, other candidates such as Marco Rose and Edin Terzić are also being considered for the job at Bayer Leverkusen. This competition may pose a challenge for Raúl, especially as he lacks experience managing in one of Europe's top five leagues. Nevertheless, Leverkusen's recent gamble on hiring a former Real Madrid player—Xabi Alonso—proved successful, which could work in Raúl's favor as the club looks for a lasting successor.

As Bayer Leverkusen navigates its next steps, the decision to appoint Raúl could signal a significant shift, aiming to blend his legendary status with a vision for revitalizing the team's fortunes in the Bundesliga.