Bayer Leverkusen, currently fourth place of Bundesliga, included Brazilian coach Filipe Luís in its list of possible successors to Kasper Hjulmand. The interest was revealed this Thursday by the KStA website, from the city of Colônia.
The German club is studying the name of the former full-back and former Flamengo coach for the 2026/27 season. The movement depends, however, on the departure of the current Danish commander. Hjulmand has a contract until the end of next season.
Interesse conditioned on the output of Hjulmand
Kasper Hjulmand took over Leverkusen in September 2025, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. The Dane completed just over eight months in office. Seu current bond runs until June 2027.
KStA reported that the club is already preparing a list of candidates in case the coach decides not to follow. Filipe Luís appears among the favorites. Outro The name mentioned is that of the Austrian Oliver Glasner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the end of this season.
Leverkusen is experiencing a moment of transition after the Bundesliga title won by Xabi Alonso in 2024. The team seeks to maintain competitiveness in Alemanha and Europa.
Histórico contacts with Brazilian
Não is the first time that Bayer Leverkusen has shown admiration for Filipe Luís’s work. The club had already monitored the coach when it dismissed Erik ten Hag and opted for Hjulmand.
Filipe Luís, 40, built a solid career as a player on Atlético from Madrid before returning to Flamengo. Como technical, took over Rubro-Negro in September 2024 and won Libertadores in 2025. Ele left the position in March 2026 after a series of bad results.
Desde so, the coach is without a club. Ele prioritizes projects in European football.
- Filipe Luís played for Chelsea in 2014/15
- Passou 11 seasons on Atlético by Madrid
- Conquistou La Liga, two Ligas Europa and other cups in Espanha
- Voltou to Brasil and managed Flamengo U20 before moving up to pro
- Conquistou continental title in less than two years as head coach
Flamengo’s Demissão and future plans
Filipe Luís was fired from Flamengo shortly after the 8-0 victory over Madureira in the Carioca semifinal. The departure was surprising due to the way it occurred. The club opted for change despite Libertadores’s title the previous year.
The coach traveled to Europa in recent weeks. Ele seeks contacts and observes reference coaches. Seu agent, Jorge Mendes, articulates opportunities on the continent.
Além of Leverkusen, the name Filipe Luís has already circulated in other situations. Clubes as Strasbourg and Benfica were also mentioned at different times. Nenhuma formal proposal has been confirmed so far.
Perfil attracting Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen values coaches with experience in large centers and the ability to develop young players. Filipe Luís built on the solid foundation of Flamengo and demonstrated tactical skill in South American competitions.
The German club usually bets on profiles that combine defensive discipline with qualified ball delivery. The former left-back knows the model of high pressure and quick transitions well.
Hjulmand arrived at Leverkusen with experience in the Danish national team, where he led the team to the semifinals of Euro 2020. Seu’s work at Bundesliga is still undergoing evaluation at the end of this season.
Próximos steps from the market
Bayer Leverkusen fights for position in the Champions League zone. The 2025/26 season still has several games to go. Qualquer decision on technical command must take place after the end of the competitions.
Filipe Luís continues to monitor the market. Ele does not rule out waiting until the middle of the year to define the next step. The focus remains on Europa.
The Brazilian coach has played 101 games for Flamengo as commander, with a success rate of over 63%. Recent high-pressure experience could weigh on future negotiations.