Former Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis is reportedly the top favourite to take the coaching job at Bayer Leverkusen as the future of Kasper Hjulmand remains unclear.
Filipe Luis most recently coached Flamengo, leading the Brazilian team to the Copa Libertadores and the domestic league titles last year.
According to broadcaster Sky, Leverkusen have already started negotiations with the coach, which is their top candidate, but they also have other options, such as Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola.
According to the Kicker magazine, Filipe Luis doesn't have a UEFA Pro Licence, which is the highest coaching certification available in Europe.
Such licence is required for anyone who wishes to manage a football club in the top tier of any European league system on a permanent basis and also required to coach in UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.
Hjulmand is reportedly on his way out after Leverkusen failed to qualify for the Champions League. He took charge of the team in September 2025 after Erik ten Hag was sacked following just two matches.
