Erik ten Hag Returns to FC Twente as Technical Director

Dutch coach Erik ten Hag has been appointed as the new technical director of Eredivisie club FC Twente, marking a homecoming to the team where he began his professional playing and coaching career.

The 55-year-old, who has been out of work since his brief stint at Bayer Leverkusen ended in September 2025, will join the club on February 1, 2026. He has signed a contract until mid-2028 and will fully assume the role from the start of the 2026-27 season, succeeding the retiring Jan Streuer.

Ten Hag expressed his delight at returning: "It's wonderful and special to return to FC Twente, where I've been a supporter since I was a young boy. My football and coaching careers began here. With my experience in youth development, team building, and elite sports culture, I want to strengthen FC Twente's technical foundation so the club can sustainably realize its potential as a regional flagship."

FC Twente general manager Dominique Scholten praised the appointment, highlighting Ten Hag's impressive track record and lifelong bond with the club.

Ten Hag's recent career has been turbulent. He was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after two-and-a-half years, despite winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024. His subsequent move to Bayer Leverkusen lasted just three competitive matches before his dismissal.

This new off-field role represents a shift for Ten Hag, leveraging his expertise in talent development honed at clubs like Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles.