Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martinez Novell as their new head coach, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 42-year-old Spaniard will succeed Kasper Hjulmand, taking over at the Bundesliga side with immediate effect. The news was first reported by German broadcaster WDR and Spanish publication Marca.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes stated the club undertook a thorough search to find the best coach for the next phase of development. He highlighted Martinez Novell’s success in nurturing young players and building a cohesive international squad during his time at FC Toulouse. The coach will be presented to the public on Friday at midday in Leverkusen.
Martinez Novell joins Leverkusen on a free transfer as his contract with Toulouse is expiring. He expressed a desire to find a club where he can replicate the positive experience he had in France, prioritizing a collaborative working environment over purely financial or project-based considerations, according to L'Equipe.
Born in Barcelona, Martinez Novell has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks despite never having played professional football. He began his career in the youth academies of FC Barcelona and Espanyol Barcelona before taking coaching roles in Qatar and Kuwait. He joined Toulouse as a co-coach under Philippe Montanier in the 2022/23 season, later becoming a key figure in the club's success, including winning the Coupe de France in 2023.
He is expected to sign a two-year contract with Leverkusen. The appointment brings an end to a weeks-long search following the anticipated departure of Hjulmand. The Danish manager took over Bayer Leverkusen after the second matchday of the previous season, stabilizing the team with a strong first half of the campaign, but ultimately failing to secure Champions League qualification.
Leverkusen had previously been linked with several other candidates, including Andoni Iraola, who ultimately chose to join Liverpool, and Filipe Luis, who agreed to terms with AS Monaco. Oliver Glasner, the Conference League winner with Crystal Palace, was also considered before the club settled on Martinez Novell. This appointment signals a shift in direction for the club as they look to build on their recent Bundesliga form.
