Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Thursday that Luís has agreed terms with AS Monaco, signing a contract until June 2028 in a deal brokered behind closed doors by Monaco's general manager Thiago Scuro. The Brazilian had been Leverkusen's primary target to replace the outgoing Kasper Hjulmand and talks between the two parties had progressed to an advanced stage before Monaco moved decisively to secure his signature.
The deal ends Bayer Leverkusen's monthlong pursuit of the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left-back, whose success at Flamengo — winning two Brazilian league titles and two Copa Libertadores — had made him one of the most sought-after coaches in world football since becoming available in March.
With Luís gone, Leverkusen have moved quickly to identify alternatives. Bild reported on Thursday that the club's management has entered advanced talks with Oliver Glasner's representatives — a development that would have seemed unlikely as recently as 48 hours ago, when the Austrian was understood to have ruled out a return to Germany in favour of remaining in English football.
Glasner, 51, left Crystal Palace at the end of his contract following Wednesday night's Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano — his third trophy in two and a half years with the south London club. He has no job to move to. Leverkusen are a club who need an immediate answer.
Bild reports that Friday's discussions are expected to be decisive — either a deal is struck or the club turns fully to its alternatives. Andoni Iraola remains available and is understood to be open to Leverkusen. Sky Sports reported on Thursday that his Milan talks have stalled and a Palace appointment also appears unlikely, making him the club's most accessible fallback if the Glasner talks do not conclude.
Glasner's credentials are well established. He won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, guiding them past Barcelona and West Ham United before beating the then-favourites Rangers on penalties in Seville — making him the first Austrian manager to win a major European trophy. His Palace tenure confirmed that achievement was no accident.
Leverkusen's Champions League campaign next season gives him the platform that Crystal Palace could not.