Bayer Leverkusen also have Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner as well as Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Herzeler.
Sportbild reports that the German side They are using this international break to determine their long-term direction as they prepare to part ways with manager Kasper Hjulmand.
As in previous years, Leverkusen have used the March international break to their advantage, and the managerial situation is at the center of discussion.
Two names have emerged as the club's clear priorities: Brighton's Fabian Herzeler and Crystal Palace's late manager Oliver Glasner.
Herzeler's release condition makes him a done deal
According to Sportbild, Fabian Herzeler has a release clause in his Brighton contract – and crucially, it is less than €15m this summer. The figure is significantly cheaper than the €20m‑plus fee being demanded by Leverkusen in 2025.
The 33-year-old has reportedly already hinted that he is ready to leave England at the end of the season. He wants to coach a team in Europe and his target is the Champions League.
Leverkusen are currently sixth in the Bundesliga and chasing fourth, so there could be an opportunity.
Why did Herzeler appeal to Leverkusen?
Fabian Herzeler has been on Bayer Leverkusen's radar for some time. He kept an eye on him during his rapid rise to prominence at FC St. Pauli, whom he took over from 15th 2. Promotion to the Bundesliga in just 17 months.
His reputation as a player developer and team-building specialist has only grown in the Premier League with Brighton.
Even his performance this season was poorin which Brighton won only one of 13 and dropped from fifth to 14ththThat hasn't stopped Leverkusen's interest. Instead he has focused on how Herzeler has stabilized Brighton and pushed them back into the top half.
That flexibility and his ability to develop and push youth squads is exactly what they want.
Glasner: Proven success, Premier League priority
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
His CV is extraordinary; There's Champions League qualification with Wolfsburg, a Europa League win at Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup win last season.
Leverkusen have admired him for years, but there is a problem. Glasner reportedly sees his future more in the Premier League than the Bundesliga. He was once Manchester United's leading candidate, but the reign of Michael Carrick may have changed that.
Still, it appears he prefers the Premier League at this stage of his career and may need convincing after leaving Crystal Palace.
Leverkusen ready to start talks
Both managers were considered in previous rounds, and both are highly rated internally. With Fabian Herzeler now more affordable and Oliver Glasner's future uncertain, Leverkusen are expected to restart discussions that began nearly two years ago.
A summer change at the German club looks increasingly inevitable. The only question is which direction they will choose. Their aim is to return to the Champions League and compete for the title again by 2028.
Will it be the manager of Brighton, or of Crystal Palace?
🇪🇸Natan | Bournemouth, West Ham and Crystal Palace ahead of €40m La Liga transfer battlehttps://t.co/0DRBNektM2 #afcb #whufc #cpfc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026
