Spain's Novell replaces Hjulmand as Bayer Leverkusen coach

Toulouse coach Carles Martinez Novell. REUTERS

Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Spaniard Carles Martinez Novell as their new manager on a two-year deal after sacking Kasper Hjulmand, the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday.

The former Toulouse coach, who is set to leave the French club after three years at the end of the month, takes over from Hjulmand, who leaves Leverkusen after one season in charge.

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen has appointed Carles Martinez Novell as their new head coach," the club said in a statement.

"He will take over ... on July 1, 2026, and signed a contract valid until June 30, 2028. In Leverkusen, Martinez, whose contract in Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand, who is leaving the club after one season."

In his first senior coaching job, the 42-year-old Martinez has led Toulouse to three successive mid-table finishes in the French top flight.

Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season.