Bayer Leverkusen has encountered an early obstacle in its quest for a new head coach, as one of its top managerial targets is no longer available. Nonetheless, the club believes it already has a backup plan in motion.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Filipe Luis has turned down Bayer Leverkusen’s offer and decided to join AS Monaco instead, signing a contract that runs until 2028. Insiders reveal that Monaco’s general manager, Thiago Scuro, negotiated the agreement with the Brazilian in private, leaving Leverkusen without their preferred candidate.

As reported by Sky, Filipe Luis had been Bayer 04’s primary choice for the managerial post. Although the club had “clear options B and C” lined up, sporting directors Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro were initially drawn to the highly successful Flamengo coach, who has secured eight trophies in three years.

With Filipe Luis now committed elsewhere, Leverkusen’s management has shifted focus back to their alternative choices. Among the names being considered are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, both of whom are set to become available for discussions after 1 July, as neither has renewed their current contracts.

On Wednesday, Glasner marked his farewell with the Eagles by lifting his second European title, following his impressive 2022 Europa League victory with Eintracht Frankfurt. In the Conference League final, his Premier League side edged past Rayo Vallecano 1-0.

According to a report by Bild, Glasner is open to the possibility of taking over at Leverkusen, and discussions between the two sides have already progressed significantly. The same report suggests that negotiations are expected to become “very concrete” by Friday.

Currently, Kasper Hjulmand continues to lead Bayer Leverkusen, having stepped in after the abrupt fallout with Erik ten Hag earlier in the season. Despite his contract running until 2027, it is widely anticipated that the club will part ways with him this summer.

The 54-year-old Dane took charge amid turbulence, stabilising the squad after ten Hag’s short-lived stint, which ended due to deteriorating relationships with club management, some coaching staff, and players. However, while Hjulmand restored some order, the team’s results fell short of expectations.

Leverkusen failed to secure a Champions League spot, were knocked out in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals by Bayern Munich, and suffered elimination in the Champions League round of 16 against Arsenal before finishing sixth in the Bundesliga. Those results were insufficient to guarantee Hjulmand’s future.

Despite moments of stability, Leverkusen’s overall performances were inconsistent, and several of their expensive signings did not deliver on their potential. The club is now looking to reset under a new managerial direction.

Meanwhile, AS Monaco are also preparing for a change in leadership. The club is parting ways with Sebastien Pocognoli after just over six months in charge. The Belgian manager, appointed in October, oversaw a disappointing end to the season, with losses against Lille and Strasbourg costing Monaco a place in European competition.