Bayer Leverkusen have announced Carles Martinez as their new head coach.

The 42-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Werkself, which will come into place on July 1, when his previous contract with Toulouse expires.

Martinez had managed the French side since June 2023, winning 41 of his 120 matches at the helm (D34 L45) and seeing his team score 157 goals, while conceding 162.

He has taken charge of the sixth-most games of any manager in Toulouse history, with 101 of those coming in Ligue 1.

Martinez led Toulouse to a ninth-place finish in the French top-flight in 2025-26, while they also reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, where they lost to eventual winners Lens.

The Spaniard replaces Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, with the Dane spending just one season with the Bundesliga club; he only managed to qualify for the Europa League.

"We have worked intensively on which coach is best suited for the next phase of Bayer 04's development," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.

¡Bienvenido, jefe! 

Carles Martinez Novell is our new head coach!  pic.twitter.com/n94hv78jRf

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) June 4, 2026

"Carles Martinez has successfully developed numerous young players at Toulouse and moulded an international team into a strong unit.

"In addition to this valuable experience, he brings a high level of expertise from his time at the Barcelona youth academy to Leverkusen.

"Carles is a coach with clear principles and a modern approach to the game. We are convinced he can provide the right impetus for our sporting future."